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j)©iymm:L 


OF 


'1 

l :-i 


HEBEC,  C.  KIMBALL 


AN  ELDER  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  JESUS  CHRIST  OF  LATTER 

DAY  SAINTS. 

GIVING  AN  ACCOUNT  OF  HIS  MISSION  TO  GREAT 
BRITAIN,  AND  THE  COMMENCEMENT  OF  THE 
WORK  OF  THE  LORD  IN  THAT  LAND. 


ALSO 

THE  SUCCESS  WHICH  HAS  ATTENDED  THE 
LABORS  OF  THE  ELDERS  TO  THE 
PRESENT  TIME. 


BY  R.  B.  THOMPSON. 


"5V*  wotWi  ***  preset  Ibe  gospel  to  avery  creature;  Is*  fbatbtf  ■«*«&  acd  is  tept**]  »LrtI  Wc 

ftteo:  etc.  Mark  16c  15  ItL 


NAUVOO*  ILL: 

PRINTED  BY  ROBINSON  AND  SMITH, 


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PREFACE. 


K^f 

/97oC 


It  is  well  known  to  the  church  of  Jesus  Christ  of  Lat- 
ter Day  Saints,  as  well  as  to  the  community  in  general; 
that  the  labors  of  the  Elders  have  not  been  confined  to 
this  continent,  but  that  the  sound  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus 
fhrist  has  been  heard  upon  the  Islands  of  the  sea;  and 
that  in  Great  Britain,  numbers  have  heard,  and  rejoiced 
in  the  same.  Some  communications  have  been  publish- 
ed by  the  Elders  who  have  visited  that  land,  which  were 
read  with  deep  interest  by  the  Saints,  who  were  informed 
in  the  last  number  of  the  “Elders’  Journal,'’  published  in 
Far  West,  Mo.,  that  a pamphlet  was  intended  to  be  pub- 
lished, giving  a detail  of  all  the  principal  transactions  of 
the  Elders,  while  in  that  land;  which  publication  was 
ardently  desired  by  the  church,  and  more  particularly  by 
those  who  had  formerly  dwelt,  and  whose  friends  yet 
resided  there.  But  on  account  of  the  unparalleled  per- 
secution which  has  taken  place,  and  the  scattered  con- 
dition of  the  saints,  the  publication  of  the  same  has  been 
delayed.  Although  the  saints  have  endured  a great 
llight  cl  affliction,  and  have  suffered  agreat  many  things, 
yet  their  desire  fur  the  prosperity  of  the  cause  of  truth 
’nd  righteousness  is  not  at  all  abated;  and  their  anxiety 
to  hear  ol  the  labors  of  the  servants  of  the  Lord  in  a 


distant  nation  is  probably  as  great  as  ever. 

A beliei  that  a perusal  of  the  Journal  of  Elder  llcbcr 
F.  Kimball  would  be  a source  of  comfort  to  the  saints, 
and  a cause  ol  rejoicing  to  those  who  have  had  to  drink 
die  cup  ot  sorrow  and  affliction,  and  likewise  he  a source 
<d  information  and  instruction  to  the  saints  generally, 
has  induced  me  to  publish  the  same  to  the  world.  The 
generality  of  the  saints  arc  acquainted  with  Elder  Kim- 
ball, w hose  labor  of  love,  and  humility,  is  know  n by  all 
who  have  had  the  pleasure  of  his  acquaintance;  while 


IV 


his  uniform  conduct  and  humility,  since  he  lias  been  a 
member  of  the  church  of  Jesus  Christ  of  Latter  Day 
Saints,  and  while  engaged  in  different  offices,  and  in  cir- 
cumstances the  most  trying  and  painful,  render  it  super- 
fluous for  me  to  attempt  to  pass  any  eulogium  on  his 
character,  and  speak  louder  than  volumes  in  his  praise. 
My  acquaintance  with  him  commenced  in  the  spring  of 
A.  I).  1037;  while  on  a visit  from  Canada  to  Kirtland. 
Feeling  a deep  interest  in  the  mission  which  was  about 
to  be  taken  to  my  native  country,  I cultivated  an  ac- 
quaintance with  all  those  who  were  going  there:  and  it 
was  no  small  gratification  to  me  when  I learned  that 
brother  Kimball  was  to  have  tlie  superintendance  of  that 
mission.  A scene  which  I witnessed  while  in  Kirtland 
1 cannot  refrain  from  relating. 

o 

While  on  a visit  to  Kirtland  to  see  those  brethren, 
who  had  been  the  instruments  in  the  hands  of  God  in 
bringing  forth  the  work  of  the  Lord  and  establishing  his 
kingdom  in  these  last  days;  I felt  very  much  delighted 
:md  instructed  by  their  conversation,  and  in  hearing  from 
their  own  lips,  an  account  of  the  great  things  which  they 
had  seen  and  heard.  The  temple  of  the  Lord  likewise 
attracted  my  observation;  it  being  too  glorious  a struc- 
ture to  escape  notice.  My  feelings  at  that  time  were  ol 
no  ordinary  kind,  while  I contemplated  the  commence- 
ment of  the  work,  and  the  opening  glories  which  had 
already  appeared;  which  were  to  he  followed  by  events 
t lie  most  stupendeous  and  glorious  that  had  taken  place, 
since  the  creation.  The  idea  of  conversing  with  a man 
who  had  the  ministering  of  angels,  and  the  revelations  of 
heaven,  and  with  those  his  companions,  who  with  him 
had  borne  up  under  afllictions  and  persecutions  of  the 
most  aggravated  nature,  men  who  had  not  counted  their 
lives  dear  for  the  testimony  of  Jesus,  and  for  the  w ord 
of  God — of  contemplating  a house,  built  by  the  servants 
of  God,  while  under  circumstances  the  most  unfavorable 
and  unpropitious,  according  to  the  pattern  they  had  re- 


V 


eeived  by  revelation — To  sec  the  assembly  of  the  saints 
on  the  Sabbath,  while  worshiping  the  God  of  Heaven. — 
To  hear  their  voices  in  praise  and  thanksgiving— The 
order  of  the  house  while  thus  engaged;  all  conspired  to 
raise  my  mind,  and  cause  gratitude  and  praise  to  my 
Heavenly  Father,  while  feelings  of  joy  and  rapture  thrill- 
ed through  my  bosom.  Surely  my  heart  rejoiced  in 
God,  and  I praised  his  holy  name,  for  remembering  his 
covenant,  visiting  his  people  and  restoring  the  gospel  in 
all  its  purity. 

. I there  cultivated  an  acquaintance  with  many  of  the 
saints,  which  I hope  will  he  lasting;  whose  labors  in  the 
cause  of  truth  had  been  incessant,  and  whose  sullerings 
for  Christ's  sake  had  been  great.  The  day  set  for  the  dc. 
parturc  of  the  Elders  to  England  being  come,  as  I was 
passing  by  the  house  of  Brother  Kimball,  I slept  in,  wish, 
ing  to  ascertain  when  he  would  be  ready  to  start,  as  J 
expected  to  accompany  them  two  or  three  Hundred  miles; 
intending  to  spend  my  labors  in  Canada  that  season.  1 
unconsciously  entered  the  house,  the  door  being  partly 
open.  When  I entered,  I felt  struck  with  the  sight  which 
presented  itself  to  my  view,  1 would  have  retired,  think- 
ing that  1 was  intruding,  hut  1 felt  rivetted  to  the  spot. — 
The  father  who  was  appointed  to  superintend  the  mission 
to  England,  had  been  pouring  out  his  soul  to  that 


“Ged  who  rules  on  high, 

Who  all  the  earth  surveys; 

That  rides  upon  the  stormy  skies, 

A nd  calm's  the  roavinjr  sens,’1 
that  he  would  grant  him  a prosperous  voyage  across  the 
mighty  ocean,  and  make  him  useful  wherever  his  lot 
should  he  cast,  and  that  He  who  “enroth  for  sparfows” 
and  “lbedclh  the  young  ravens  when  thov  cry,”  would 
supply  the  wants  of  ins  companion  and  little  ones  in  his 
absence,  lie  then  like  the  patriarchs,  and  by  virtue  of 
tnat  office,  laid  Ids  hands  upon  them,  indivi Frail v,  leavin': 


a father’s  blessing  upon,  and  commending  them  to  the 
care  and  protection  of  God,  while  he  should  be  engaged  in 
preaching  the  gospel  in  distant  lands.  While  thus  enga- 
ged, his  voice  was  almost  lost  in  the  sobs  of  those  around, 
who  tried  in  vain  to  suppress  them.  The  idea  of  losing  a 
protector  and  a father  was  indeed  painful.  He  proceed- 
ed, but  his  heart  was  too  much  alfected  to  do  so  regularly; 
his  emotions  were  great,  yea,  unutterable;  and  he  was 
obliged  to  stop  at  intervals,  while  the  big  tears  started 
down  his  cheeks — an  index  to  the  feelings  which  reign- 
ed in  his  bosom.  I was  not  stoic  enough  to  refrain,  but  in 
spite  of  myself  I wept,  and  mingled  my  tears  with  theirs; 
at  the  same  time,  I felt  thankful,  that  1 had  the  privilege  of 
contemplating  such  a scene.  Nothing,  thought  I,  could 
induce  that  man  to  tear  himself  from  so  affectionate  a 
group,  from  his  partner  and  children  who  are  so  dear  to 
him — nothing  hut  a sense  of  duty  and  love  to  God,  and 
attachment  to  his  cause.  I prayed  that  the  Lord  would 
bless  the  labours  of  bis  servant,  give  him  a prosperous 
voyage,  make  him  a blessing  in  my  native  land,  by 
bringing  many  into  the  Kingdom  of  Christ — that  lie 
would  be  merciful  to  his  family:  and  when  it  was  wis- 
dom in  God  that  lie  should  return,  that  he  might  be 
brought  home  in  safety,  and  rejoice  with  his  beloved 
family  in  recounting  the  mercies  of  the  Lord. 

This  the  Lord  has  done  in  a remarkable  manner,  and 
but  few,  if  any,  have  been  as  successful  as  Brother  Kim- 
ball. Vet  we  do  not  find  him  boasting  in  his  own 
strength;  No,  he  knows  that  it  is  the  Lord’s  doings, 
and  that  he  was  only  an  instrument  in  his  hands.  Not- 
withstanding the  great  success  which  has  attended  the 
labors  of  this  servants  of  the  Lord,  the  same  humility 
characterises  him,  for  which  he  has  been  so  frequently 
admired. 

The  Elders  of  Israel  would  do  well  to  copy  the  ex- 
ample, and  1 hope  they  will  be  able  to  receive  some  ii> 
truetions  from  a perusal  pf  this  work,  particularly  those, 


who  may  visit  Great  Britain,  which  may  be  of  some  val- 
ue to  them.  One  great  cause  of  his  usefulness  was,  that 
he  attended  closely  to  the  commandments  of  heaven,  and 
preached  the  Gospel  in  its  simplicity,  and  plainness; 
without  intermcdling  with  many  abstruse  and  dark 
passages,  which  are  only  a source  of  speculation,  and 
tend  to  strife  rather  than  salvation. 

it  undoubtedly  would  be  pleasing  to  the  Elders  who 
return  from  distant  lands,  to  visit  their  families  and 
friends,  to  enjoy  the  blessings  of  peace;  but  this  has 
been  denied  our  Brother,  for,  after  a hard  and  laborious 
mission,  and  after  enduring  great  fatigue  in  travelling, 
and  his  body  broken  down  by  sickness;  lie  in  common 
with  the  saints,  had  to  be  driven  from  his  home,  and  be  sub- 
ject to  all  the  hardships  and  trials  consequent  on  a re- 
moval in  the  depth  of  w inter  from  the  State  of  Missou- 
ri. Yet  none  of  these  things  have  moved  him,  for  no 
sooner  was  his  family  in  a place  of  safety  and  amongst 
the  saints,  than  he  prepared  for  another  mission,  and 
with  the  rest  of  the  Twelve,  takes  his  journey  to  the 
scene  of  his  former  labors. 

The  success  which  has  attended  the  ministry  of  the 
Elders  in  England  and  Scotland,  is  certainly  encouragc- 
ing,  and  hardly  has  its  parallel  in  the  history  of  the 
church  of  Jesus  Christ  of  Latter  Day  Saints. 

Although  it  has  been  principally  received  by  the  poor, 
who  have  flocked  to  hear  the  tidings  of  salvation,  like 
doves  to  the  windows;  yet  there  are  some  men  of  wealth 
and  influence,  who  have  embraced  the  gospel  with  all 
their  hearts,  and  w ho  rejoice  in  its  precious  truths. 

The  information  received  from  the  Twelve,  and  other 
Elders  who  are  yet  in  that  land,  is  of  the  most  cheering 
character.  A circumstantial,  account  of  which,  will  be 
found  at  the  end  of  the  journal. 

From  what  has  been  already  accomplished,  the  saints 
can  look  forward  with  assurance,  that  the  purposes  of 


VIII 


the  Almighty  will  be  accomplished,  and  that  the  streams 
of  knowledge  shall  flow  throughout  the  world,  at  which 
every  honest  heart  shall  drink  and  satiate  themselves, 
until  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  shall  cover  the  earth, 
as  the  waters  cover  the  face  of  the  deep. 

“When  nt  first  the  work  began, 

Small  and  feeble  was  its  day: 

Now  the  word  doth  sweetly  run, 

Now  it  wins  its  widening  way: 

More  and  more  it  spreads  and  grows 
Ever  mighty  to  prevail, 

Sin’s  strong  holds  it  now  o’erthrows, 

Shakes  the  trembling  gates  of  hell.” 

ItOBEUT  D.  THOMPSON. 


The  labors  of  the  Elders  of  the  Church  of  Latter  Day 
Saints  having  been  confined  to  the  United  States  of 
America,  with  the  exception  of  the  Province  of  Upper 
Canada,  where  a great  many  persons  embraced  the  gos- 
pel of  .lesus  Christ,  and  rejoiced  in  the  blessings  thereof; 
the  majority  of  whom  were  originally  from  Great  Brit- 
ain, soon  after  which,  they  began  to  manifest  a desire 
that  their  relatives  and  friends  who  were  still  residing 
there,  might  be  privilcdgcd  with  hearing  the  glad  tidings 
of  Salvation,  and  be  made  partakers  of  those  gifts  and 
blessings  which  are  promised  in  obedience  thereto  For 
the  attainment  of  which  object,  their  prayers  were  con- 
tinually ascending  to  the  Lord  ofSabaoth,  that  he  would 
prepare  the  way,  and  hasten  the  time, 

44  When — the  servants  of  the  Lord 
Soon  should  take  their  stand, 

And  spread  the  glorious  light  of  truth, 

Throughout  their  native  land.” 

Notwithstanding  this  desire,  the  way  was  not  open 
for  the  Elders  until  the  spring  of  1837,  when  the 
word  of  the  Lord  to  the  Elders  of  Israel  was;  that 
they  might  go  forth  to  the  distant  nations  of  the  earth, 
that  the  Kingdom  might  roll  forth,  so  that  every  heart 
might  be  penetrated. 

Prior  to  this,  my  labors  had  been  confined  to  my  own 
land  in  which,  I had  travelled  about,  six  thousand  miles, 
preaching  the  gospel  to  the  best  of  my  ability;  and 
had  the  pleasure  of  baptizing  several  of  my  countrymen 
for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  introducing  them  into  the 
kingdom  which  the  Lord  has  set  up  in  these  last  days. 

I had  frequently  felt  a desire  to  visit  the  shores  of  Eu- 
rope, and  believed  that  the  time  was  fast  hastened  when 
I should  take  leave  of  my  own  country  and  lift  up  my 
voice  to  other  nations,  and  warn  them  of  the  things 
which  were  coming  on  the  earth,  and  make  known  to 
them  the  great  things  which  the  Lord  had  brought  to  pass; 
Yet,  it  never  occured  to  my  mind,  that  I should  be  one 
of  the  first,  commissioned  to  preach  the  everlasting  gos- 


10 


pel  on  the  shores  of  Europe,  and  1 can  assure  my  friends, 
1 was  taken  by  surprise,  when  I was  informed  by  Broth- 
er llyrum  Smith,  one  of  the  Presidency  of  the  church, 
that  1 had  been  designated  by  the  spirit,  and  at  a con- 
ference of  the  authorities  of  the  church,  which  had  been 
held,  was  appointed  to  take  the  charge  of  a mission  to 
the  kingdom  of  Great  Britain.  The  idea  of  being  ap- 
pointed to  sucli  an  important  office  and  mission,  was  al- 
most more  than  i could  bear  up  under;  1 felt  my  weak- 
ness and  unworthiness,  and  was  nearly  ready  to  sink 
under  the  task  which  devolved  upon  me,  and  1 could  not 
help  exclaiming:  O Lord  1 am  a man  of  “stammering 
tongue”  and  altogether  unfit  for  such  a work.  IIow 
can  I go  to  preach  in  that  land,  which  is  so  famed 
throughout  Christendom,  for  light,  knowledge,  and  piety, 
and  the  nursery  of  religion;  and  to  a people,  whose  in- 
telligence is  proverbial.  Again,  the  idea  of  leaving  my 
family  for  so  long  a time,  which  a misson  to  that  country 
must  necessarily  require — of  being  separated  from  my 
friends  whom  1 loved,  and  with  whom  I had  enjoyed 
many  blessings,  and  happy  seasons — of  leaving  my  na- 
tive land  to  sojourn  among  strangers  in  a strange  land, 
was  almost  overwhelming. 

However,  all  these  considerations  did  not  deter  me 
from  the  path  of  duty;  neither  did  I confer  with  flesh 
and  blood;  but  the  moment  I understood  the  will  of  my 
heavenly  Father;  I felt  a determination  to  go  at  all 
hazards,  believing  that  he  would  support  me  by  his  Al- 
mighty power;  and  endow  me  with  every  qualification 
I needed.  And  although  my  family  wrere  dear  to  me, 
and  I should  have  to  leave  them  almost  destitute;  yet  i 
felt  that  the  cause  of  truth,  the  gospel  of  Christ  out- 
weighed every  other  consideration;  and  I felt  willing  to 
leave  them;  believing  that  their  wants  would  be  provid- 
ed for,  by  that  God,  who  “taketh  care  of  sparrow  s”  and 
who  “feedeth  the  young  ravens  when  they  cry.”  I w as 
then  set  apart  along  w ith  Elder  Hyde  who  w as  likewise 
appointed  to  that  mission,  by  the  laying  on  of  the  hands 
of  the  Presidency;  who  likewise  agreed,  that  Elders 
Goodson,  Russel,  Richards,  Fielding  and  Snider  should 
accompany  us. 

After  spending  a few  days  in  arranging  my  affairs, 
nnd  settling  my  business;  on  the  thirteenth  day  of  June, 
A.  I).  1037,  1 bade  adieu  to  my  family  and  friends;  and 


11 


the  town  of  Kirtland  where  the  House  of  the  JLorI 
stands,  in  which  I had  received  my  anointing,  and 
had  seen  such  glorious  displays  of  the  power  and 
glory  of  God;  and  in  company  with  Elder  Hyde  and 
the  other  brethren,  arrived  at  Fairport  on  Lake  Eric 
that  afternoon,  a distance  of  12  miles;  and  about  an 
hour  after  our  arrival,  took  passage  in  a Steam  Boat  for 
Buffalo,  New  York*  We  were  accompanied  by  brother 
1L  B.  Thompson  and  wife  who  w ere  on  their  way  to 
Canada,  from  Kirtland,  where  he  intended  to  labor  in 
the  ministry  m that  Province*  After  a pleasant  voyage 
we  reached  Buffalo  the  next  day;  at  which  place  we 
expected  to  have  got  some  funds  which  w ere  promised 
us,  to  assist  us  on  our  journey;  but  were  unfortunately 
disappointed*  At  that  time  we  had  but  very  little 
means,  but  still  wre  determined  to  prosecute  our  journey, 
believing  that  the  Lord  would  open  out  our  way.  We 
accordingly  continued  our  journey,  and  took  our  pas- 
sage in  a line  boat  on  the  Erie  Canal  to  Utica,  a dis- 
tance of  250  miles.  From  thence  to  Albany,  on  the 
Rail  Road.  From  which  place  I went  with  Brother 
Richards  into  the  country  about  30  miles,  w here  we  were 
successful  in  obtaining  some  means  to  enable  us  to  pros- 
ecute our  journey.  We  then  returned  and  took  passage, 
in  a Steam  Boat  for  New  York,  at  which  place  we  ar- 
rived on  the  22  day  of  June. 

On  our  arrival  we  met  with  Brother  Goodson  and 
Snider,  according  to  appointment  (they  having  been 
round  by  the  way  of  Canada)  all  in  good  health. 

When  we  arrived  at  New  York,  we  found  a vessel 
ready  to  sail,  but  not  having  sufficient  means  we  were 
obliged  to  w ait  until  such  times  as  we  could  obtain  funds 
to  pay  our  passage  and  buy  vituals  for  the  voyage.  Wc 
rented  a small  room,  in  a Store  house,  hoping  that  some 
way  would  be  provided  for  us,  to  go  forw  ard  and  fulfil 
the  mission  w hereunto  wTe  wrere  sent.  We  spent  con- 
siderable time  while  we  were  there,  in  prayer  to  our 
heavenly  Father,  for  his  guidance  and  protection — that 
he  would  make  our  way  plain  before  us — bless  us  w ith 
a prosperous  voyage  across  the  billow’s  cf  the  mighty 
ocean,  make  us  a blessing  to  each  other  and  to  the  Cap- 
tain and  crcwT,  with  whom  we  should  sail.  During  our 
stay  in  that  city,  we  were  subject  to  many,  inconven- 
iences, had  to  lay  upon  the  floor,  and  had  to  buy  and 


12 


cook  our  own  victuals;  yet  none  of  these  things  moved 
us  neither  did  we  feel  discouraged,  believing  that  the 
Lord  would  open  our  way,  and  guide  us  to  our  destina- 
tion. We  conversed  with  many  persons  on  the  subject 
of  the  gospel,  and  distributed  a large  number  of  “Pro- 
phetic Warning's”  amongst  all  classes  of  the  community; 
not  lbrgcting  the  ministers  of  religion  who  abound  in 
that  city.  We  sent  a copy  to  every  one  whose  name 
we  could  ascertain,  through  the  medium  of  the  Post 
office. 

After  remaining  a few  days,  we  were  presented  with 
sixty  dollars  to  assist  us;  Brother  Elijah  Fordham  like- 
wise, made  us  a present  of  ten  dollars  and  concluded  on 
accompanying  us  on  our  mission,  but  upon  more  mature 
consideration,  we  thouht  it  was  best  tor  him  to  stop  in 
that  place,  believing  that  the  Lord  had  a people  in  that 
city,  and  that  a church  would  be  built  up;  which,  has  since 
been  done  by  the  instrumentality  of  Elders  Parley  P. 
and  Orson  Pratt.  Having  obtained  as  much  money  as 
would  pay  our  passages  across  the  Atlantic,  we  laid  in  a 
stock  of  provisions,  and  on  the  first  day  of  July  went  on 
board  the  ship  Garrick,  bound  for  Liverpool,  and  weighed 
anchor  about  ten  o'clock  A.  M.,  and  about  four  o'clock 
P.  M.  of  the  same  day,  lost  sight  of  my  native  land,  I 
had  feelings  which  I cannot  describe,  when,  I could  no 
longer  behold  its  shores,  and  when  I bade  adieu  to  the 
land  of  my  birth,  which  was  fast  receding;  I felt  to  ex- 
claim: 

“Yes  my  native  land  I love  thee: 

All  thy  scenes  I love  them  well: 

Friends,  connexions,  happy  country, 

Can  1 bid  you  all  farewell? 

Can  I leave  you 
Far  in  distant  lands  to  dwell?” 

However,  when  I reflected  on  the  causes,  which  had 
induced  me  to  leave  it  for  a while,  and  the  work  which 
devolved  upon  me  I could  likewise  say, 

, “I  go  but  not  to  plough  the  main, 

To  ease  a restless  mind.” 

No  I hope  I was  actuated  by  a different  motive  than 
either  to  please  myself,  or  to  gain  the  riches  and  ap- 
plause of  the  world;  it  was  higher  considerations  than 
these  that  induced  me  to  leave  my  home,  it  was,  because 
a dispensation  of  the  gospel  had  been  committed  to  me. 


and  1 felt  an  ardent  desire  that  my  fellow  creatures  in 
other  lands  as  well  as  those  of  the  land  of  niv  birth, 
might  hear  the  sound  of  the  everlasting  gospel;  obey  its 
requisitions;  rejoice  in  the  fulness, and  blessings  thereof; 
and  escape  the  judgements  which  were  threatened  upon 
the  ungodly.  Our  passage  was  very  agreeable,  and  (be 
winds  for  the  most  part  very  favorable.  On  the  banks 
of  Newfoundland  wc  saw  several  large  lish  nearly  a® 
long  as  our  vessel,  called  by  some,  whales;  and  by  oth- 
ers tinners,  also  many  didcrent  species  of  lish.  We 
were  kindly  treated  while  on  board,  both  by  the  officer?! 
and  crew;  and  their  conduct  was  indeed  praise worthyj 
had  wc  been  their  own  relatives,  they  could  not  hav^ 
behaved  more  kind,  or  have  treated  us  better.  Thu?* 
the  Lord  answered  our  prayers  in  this  respect,  for  which 
1 desire  to  praise  his  holy  name. 

The  Lord  also  gave  ns  favor  in  the  eydf  of  the  passen- 
gers, who  treated  us  with  the  greatest  respect.  During 
our  voyage,  a child  belonging  to  one  of  the  passengers 
was  very  sick,  and  was  given  up  for  death  by  the  Doctor 
who  attended  it;  consequently  its  parents  had  given  up 
all  hopes  of  its  recovery,  and  expected  to  have  to  commit 
their  little  one  to  the  ocean.  Feeling  a great  auxiety  for 
the  child,  1 went  to  its  parents  and  reasoned  with,  and 
laid  before  them  the  principle  of  faith;  told  them  that 
the  Lord  was  able  to  restore  their  child,  notwithstanding 
there  was  no  earthly  prospect  of  its  recovery;  to  which 
they  listened  with  great  interest.  Having  an  oppor- 
tunity shortly  after,  secretly  to  lay  hands  upon  the  child, 
3 did  so,  and  in  jhe  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  rebuked  the 
disease  which  preyed  upon  its  system;  the  spirit  of  the 
Lord  attended  the  administration,  and  from  that  time  the 
child  began  to  recover,  and  two  or  three  days  after  it 
was  running  about  perfectly  well.  Its  parents  had  to 
acknowledge  that  it  was  healed  by  the  power  of  the  Al- 
mighty. 

Our  health  while  on  the  water  was  good,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  Brothers  Fielding  and  Richards,  who  were 
sick  a day  or  two.  The  last  Sunday  wc  were  on  the  wa- 
ter, I went  to  the  Captain  and  asked  the  privilege  for  one 
of  us  to  preach  on  board,  lie  very  obligingly  agreed,  and 
appointed  the  time  when  it  would  be  most  suitable  for 
hiinsclfand  the  crew  to  attend,  which  was  at  one  o’clock 

2 


14 


P.  M.  We  then  appointed  Brother  Ilyde  to  speak,  and 
then  went  and  notiiicd  the  crew  and  passengers  of  tho 
circumstance.  At  the  time  appointed  there  was  a con- 
gregation of  from  two  to  three  hundred  persons  assem- 
bled on  deck,  who  listened  with  great  attention,  and  deep 
interest  to  the  discourse,  which  was  delivered  with  great 
power;  1 think  I never  heard  Brother  Hyde  speak  with 
such  power  and  eloquence  as  at  that  time;  he  spoke  on 
the  subject  of  the  resurrection.  The  time  being  limited 
on  account  of  the  duties  of  the  ships  company,  his  subject 
was  necessarily  condensed.  The  congregation  was  com- 
posed of  persons  from  dilferent  nations,  and  of  dillbrent 
faiths,  English,  Irish,  Scotch,  Germans,  French,  occ.  &c., 
both  Jews  and  Christians.  A great  feeling  was  produced 
upon  the  minds  of  the  assembly,  who  had  never  heard  tho 
subject  treated  in  like  manner  before:  and  from  the  con- 
versation we  afterwards  had  with  several  of  them,  be- 
lieve that  good  was  done,  and  many  from  that  time  began 
to  search  the  scriptures  for  themselves,  “which  arc  ablo 
to  make  men  wise  unto  salvation.?’ 

On  the  1 6th,  the  Captain  sent  a man  up  to  the  mast  head 
to  look  for  land,  and  he  had  not  been  up  long  before  ho 
exclaimed  land,  which  was  the  Irish  shore,  which 
caused  joy  and  gratitude  to  arise  in  my  bosom  to  my 
heavenly  Father  for  the  favorable  passage  we  had  had  so 
far,  and  the  prospect  of  soon  reaching  our  destination. — 
We  then  sailed  up  the  Irish  channel;  having  Ireland  on 
our  left,  and  Wales  on  our  right;  the  scenery  was  very 
beautiful  and  imposing. 

Three  days  after  first  seeing  land,  being  the  18th  of 
July,  we  arrived  in  Liverpool,  which  is  one  of  the  lar- 
gest ports  in  Great  Britain;  being  just  eighteen  days  and 
two  hours  from  our  departure  from  New  York.  Tho 
packet  ship  South  America  which  left  New  York  tho 
same  time  we  did,  came  in  a few  lengths  behind.  Tho 
sight  was  very  grand  to  see  these  two  vessels  enter 
port,  with  every  inch  of  canvass  spread.  When  wo 
first  got  sight  of  Liverpool,  I went  to  the  side  of  the  ves- 
sel and  poured  out  my  soul  in  praise  and  thanksgiving 
to  God  tor  the  prosperous  voyage,  and  for  all  the  mor- 
cies  which  ho  had  vouchsafed  to  me,  and  while  thus  em 
gaged,  and  while  contemplating  the  scenery  which  then 

(presented  itself,  and  the  circumstances  which  had 
wrought  me  thus  far;  the  sphit  of  the  Lord  rested  upon 


15 


me  in  a powerful  manner;  mv  soul  was  filled  with  love 
and  gratitude,  and  was  humbled  within  me,  while  I cov- 
enanted to  dedicate  myself  to  God,  and  to  love  and 
serve  him  with  all  my  heart. 

Immediately  after  we  anchored,  a email  boat  camo 
alongside,  and  several  of  the  passengers  with  Brothers 
Hyde,  Richards,  Goodson  and  myself  got  in  and  wenf  on 
shore,  when  wc  were  within  six  or  seven  feet  from  the 
pier,  i leaped  on  shore,  and  for  the  first  time  in  rnv  life 
stood  on  British  ground,  among  strangers,  whose  man- 
ners and  customs  were  different  from  my  own.  My 
feelings  at  that  time,  were  peculiar,  particularly,  when 
I realized  the  object,  importance,  and  extent  of  my  mis- 
sion, and  the  work  to  which  I had  been  appointed,  and 
in  which  1 was  shortly  to  be  engaged. 

The  idea  of  standing  forth  and  proclaiming  the  Gospel 
in  a land  so  much  extolled  for  religion,  and  which  was 
constantly  sending  forth  her  ministers  to  almost  every 
nation  under  heaven;  amongst  a people  who  of  course 
did  not  expect  to  be  taught,  but  to  teach  others  the 
principles  of  the  gospel;  and  at  the  same  time  feeling 
my  own  weakness  and  unfitness  for  such  an  undertak- 
ing, I wasMcd  to  cry  mightily  to  the  Lord  for  wisdom 
and  for  that  comfort  and  support  which  I so  much 
needed.  At  the  same  time  I thought,  that  if  I could 
have  been  relieved  from  the  responsibility  which  rest- 
ed upon  me,  by  fighting  Goliatii  on  as  unequal  terms  a* 
David  did,  I should  have  felt  myself  happy. 

However  I endeavored  to  put  my  trust  in  God,  believ- 
ing that  he  would  assist  me  in  publishing  the  truth,  give 
me  utterance,  and  that  he  would  be  a present  help  in  the 
time  of  need.  Having  no  means,  poor  and  penny  less  wo 
wandered  in  the  streets  of  that  great  city,  where  wealth 
and  luxury,  penury  and  want  abound.  1 there  met  the 
rich  attired  in  the  most  costly  dresses,  and  the  next  mo- 
ment was  saluted  with  the  cries  of  the  poor  without  cov- 
ering .sufficient  to  serene  them  from  the  weather;  such 
a distinction  I never  saw  before.  Wc  then  looked 
out  for  a place  to  lodge  in,  and  found  a room,  belonging 
to  a widow  which  wc  engaged  for  si  few  days.  The 
time  we  were  in  Liverpool  was  spent  in  council,  and  in 
calling  on  the  Lord  for  direction,  so  that  wc  might  be 
led  to  places  where  we  should  he  most  useful  in  proclaiming 
the  gospel,  and  in  establishing,  and  spreading  his  king-* 


1C 


4i>m;  while  thus  engaged,  the  spirit  of  the  Lord,  the 
mighty  power  of  God  was  with  us,  and  we  felt  greatly 
strengthened,  and  a determination  to  go  forward,  como 
life  or  death,  honor  or  reproach,  was  manifest  hy  us  all. 
-Our  trust  was  in  God,  who,  we  believed  could  make  us 
as  useful  in  bringing  down  the  kingdom  of  satan,  as  ho 
did  the  rams  hoi  ns,  in  bringing  down  the  walls  of  Jer- 
ico;  and  in  gathering  out  a number  of  precious  souls, 
who  were  buried  amidst  the  rubbish  of  tradition,  and 
who  had  none  to  show  them  the  way  of  truth. 

Feeling  led  by  the  spirit  of  tbe  Lord  to  go  to  Preston 
a large  manufacturing  town  in  Lancashire;  we  started 
for  tliat  place,  three  days  after  our  arrival  in  Liverpool.. 
Wc  went  by  coach  and  arrived  on  Saturday  after  noon 
about  four  o’clock.  Alter  unloading  our  trunks,  Broth- 
er Goodson  w ent  in  search  of  a place  of  lodging,  and 
Brother  Fielding  went  to  seek  a brother  of  bis  w ho  \va* 
a minister  residing  in  the  place. 

It  being  the  day  on  which  their  representatives  wero 
ohosen;  the  streets  presented  a very  busy  scene  indeed. 
1 never  witnessed  any  thing  like  it  in  my  life.  Music 
playing,  flags  flying,  thousands  of  men,  women  and 
children  parading  the  streets,  decked  in  ribbons,  charac- 
teristic of  the  politics  of  the  various  candidates.  Any 
one  accustomed  to  the  peacable  and  quiet  manner  in 
which  the  elections  in  America  are  conducted;  can 
scarcely  have  any  idea  of  an  election  as  caiied  on  in 
England. 

6n  one  of  t.he  dags,  which  was  just  unrolled  beforo 
us  tbe  moment  t.he  coach  reached  its  destination,  was 
the  following  motto.  “TRUTH  WILL  PREVAIL,’' 
which  was  painted  in  hCW  gilt  letters:  it  being  so  very 
seasonable,  and  the  sentin/nit  being  so  appropriate  to 
us,  in  our  siiuaton,  that  we  > crc  involuntarily  led  to 
exclaim.  Amen.  So  let  it  ho. 

Brother  Good: on  having  found  :!  room  where  wo 
roould  be  accommodated,  which  belonged  ?°  a widow  wo- 
’man,  situated  in  Wiltbrd  street,  wc  moved  v^ur  baggage 
there.  Shortly  after,  Brother  Fielding  returned  having 
found  his  brother,  who  requested  to  have  an  jntefview 
with  some  of  us  that  evening.  Accordingly  Elders 
Hyde,  Goodson  and  myself  went,  and  were  kindly  re- 
ceived by  him,  and  Mr.  Watson  his  brother-in-law, 
who  was  present  at  the  time,  We  gavo  them  a short 


17 


Account  of  the  object  of  our  mission,  and  the  great  work 
which  the  Lord  had  commenced,  and  conversed  on  those 
subjects  until  a Into  hour.  The  next  morning  we  were 
presented  witli  half  a crown  which  Mr.  Fielding's  sister 
had  sent  us. 

It  being  Sunday,  we  went  to  hear  Mr.  Fielding 
preach,  alter  he  had  got  through  his  discourse,  and  with- 
out being  requested  by  us,  he  gave  out  an  appointment 
for  some  one  of  us  to  preach  in  the  afternoon.  It  being 
noised  abroad  that  sonic  Elders  from  America  were  in 
town,  and  were  going  to  preach  in  the  afternoon;  a 
large  concourse  of  people  assembled  to  hear  us.  It  fill- 
ing to  my  lot  to  speak,  S called  their  attention  to  the 
first  principles  of  the  gospel,  and  told  them  something  of 
the  nature  of  the  work  which  the  Lord  had  commenced 
on  the  earth;  after  which  Brother  Hyde  bore  testimony 
to  the  same,  which  I believe  was  received  by  many, 
with  whom  1 afterwards  conversed.  Another  appoint- 
ment was  given  out  for  us  in  the  evening,  at  which  time 
Brother  Goodson  preached,  and  Brother  Fielding  bore 
testimony.  An  appointment  was  then  made  for  us  on 
Wednesday  evening  at  the  same  place,  at  which  time 
Elder  llyde  preached.  A number  now  being  convinc- 
ed of  the  truth,  believed  the  testimony,  and  began  to 
praise  Cod  and  rejoice  exceedingly,  that  the  Lord  had 
again  vidied  Lis  people,  and  sent  his  servants  to  lay  be- 
fore them  the  doctrine  of  the  gospel,  “and  the  truth  as  it 
is  in  Jesus.” 

The  Bov.  Mr.  Fielding,  who  had  kindly  invited  us  to 
preach  in  his  chapel,  knowing,  that  quite  a number  of 
his  members  believed  our  testimony,  and  that  some  were 
Wishful  to  be  baptized;  shut  his  doors  against  us  and 
would  sullor  us  to  preach  no  more  in  his  chapel,  and  for 
an  excuse,  said  that  we  had  preached  the  doctrine  of 
baptism  for  the  remission  of  sins,  contrary  to  our  arrange- 
ment with  him. 

I need  scarcely  assure  my  friends,  that  nothing  was 
mW  to  him,  from  which  any  inference  could  ho  drawn, 
that  we  should  surpress  the  doctrine  of  baptism.  NuJ 
we  deemed  it  to  important  a doctrine,  to  lay  aside  for 
any  privilege  wo  could  receive  from  mortals.  Mr. 
Fielding  understood  our  doctrines,  even  before  wo  came 
there,  having  received  several  communications  from  Ilu 

0$ 


18 


lkothcr  Joseph,  who  wrote  to  him  from  Canada,  in 
which  letters,  were  clearly  laid  down,  the  doctrines  of 
the  Church  of  Latter  Day  Saints;  we  likewise  had  con- 
versed with  him  on  the  subject  at  our  former  interview. 
However,  he  having  been  traditioned  to  believe  in  in- 
fant baptism;  and  having  preached,  and  practised  the 
same  a number  of  years,  he  saw  the  situation  he  would 
be  placed  in,  if  he  obeyed  the  gospel,  and  that  notwith- 
standing his  talents,  and  standing  in  society;  he  would 
have  to  come  into  the  sheep  fold,  by  the  door;  and  after 
ail  his  preaching  to  others,  have  to  be  baptized  himself 
for  the  remission  of  sins,  by  those  who  were  ordained 
to  that  power. 

These  considerations  undoubtedly  had  their  weight  up- 
on his  mind,  and  caused  him  to  act  as  he  did;  and  not- 
withstanding his  former  kindness  he  soon  became  one  of 
our  most  violent  opposers.  An  observation  which  es- 
caped his  lips  shortly  after  this  circumstance  1 shall  hero 
mention.  Speaking  one  day  respecting  the  three  first 
sermons  which  wore  preached  in  that  place;  he  said  that 
-Kimball  bored  the  holes,  Goodson  drove  the  nails,  and 
Hyde  clinched  them.”  However  his  congregation  did 
not  follow  his  example,  they  having  for  some  time  been 
praying  for  our  coming, and  having  been  assured  hv  Mr. 
Fielding  that  he  could  not  place  more  confidence  in  an 
angel,  than  he  did  in  the  statements  of  his  brother  res- 
pecting this  people;  consequently  they  were  in  a great 
measure  prepared  lor  the  reception  of  the  gospel;  proba- 
bly as  much  so,  as  Cornelius  was  anliently.  Having 
now  no  public  place  to  preach  in,  we  began  to  preach  in 
private  houses,  which  were  opened  in  every  direction, 
while  numbers  believed  the  gospel;  and  after  we  had 
been  in  that  place  eight  days,  we  began  to  baptize  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  for  the  remission  of  sins. — 
One  Rev.  Gentleman  came  and  forbid  us  baptizing  any 
of  bis  members;  but  we  told  him  that  all  who  were  of 
age,  and  requested  baptism,  we  should  undoubtedly  ad- 
minister that  ordinance  to  them.  One  Saturday  even- 
ing l was  appointed  by  the  brethren  to  baptize  a number 
the  next  morning  in  the  river  Kibble,  which  rims  through 
that  place.  Hy  this  time  the  adversary  of  souls  began 
f j rage,  and  he  felt  a determination  to  destroy  us  before 
we  had  fully  established  the  kingdom  in  that  land,  and 
the  .next  morning  I w itnessed  such  a scene  of  satanio 


19 


power  and  influence  as  1 shall  never  forget^ While  memo* 
r y lasts. 

About  day  break,  Brother  Russel  (who  was  appoint- 
ed to  preach  in  the  Market  place  that  day.)  who  slept 
in  the  second  story  of  the  house  in  which  we  were  en- 
tertained; came  up  to  the  room  where  Eider  Hyde  and 
myself  were  sleeping;  and  called  upon  us  to  rise  and 
pray  for  him,  for  lie  was  so  util ic ted  with  evil  spirits 
that  he  could  not  live  long  unless  he  should  obtain  re- 
lief. We  immediately  arose,  and  laid  hands  upon  him, 
and  prayed  that  the  Lord  would  have  mercy  on  his  ser- 
vant and  rebuke  the  devil,  while  thus  engaged  I was 
rtruck  with  great  force  by  some  invisible  power  and  fell 
senseless  on  the  floor,  as  if  1 bad  been  shot;  and  the 
first  thing  that  I recollected  was,  that  l was  supported  by 
Brothers  Hyde  and  Russel,  who  were  beseeching  a 
throne  of  grace  on  my  behalf.  They  then  laid  me  on 
the  bed,  but  my  agony  was  so  great  that  I could  not  en- 
dure, anti  1 was  obliged  to  get  out,  and  fell  on  my  knees 
and  began  to  pray,  i then  sat  on  the  bed  and  could  dis- 
tinctly see  the  evil  spirits  who  foamed  and  gnashed  their 
teeth  upon  us.  We  gazed  upon  them  about  an  hour  and  a 
half,  and  1 shall  never  forgot  the  horror  and  malignity 
depicted  on  the  countenances  of  these  foul  spirits,  and 
any  attempt  to  paint  the  scene  which  then  presented  it- 
self;  or  portray  the  malice  and  enmity  depicted  in  their 
countenance*  would  he  vain.  1 perspired  exceedingly, 
and  my  clothes  were  as  wet  as  if  I had  been  taken  out 
of  the  river.  Although  1 felt  exquisite  pain,  and  was 
iii  the  greatest  distress  for  some  time,  and  cannot  evert 
now  look  hack  on  the  scene  without,  feelings  of  horror; 
yet,  by  it  3 learned  the  power  of  the  adversary,  his  enmi- 
ty against  the  servants  of  God,  and  got  sonic  understand- 
ing of  the  invisible  world.  However  the  Lord  delivered 
us  from  the  wrath  of  our  spiritual  enemies  and  blessed  U3 
exceedingly  that  day,  and  3 had  the  pleasure  (notwith- 
standing my  weakness  of  body,  from  the  slin  k I h id  ex- 
perienced, spiritual)  of  baptizing  nine  individuals  and 
hailing  them  brethren  in  the  kingdom  of  Cod. 

A circumstance  took  place,  while  at  the  water  side, 
which  I cannot  refrain  from  mentioning,  which  'Will  show 
ihe  eagerness  and  anxiety  of  r ^me  in  that  kand  to  obey 
the  gospel.  Two  of  the  candidates  w'no  were  changing 
thmr  clothes  and  preparing  for  baptism,  at  the  distance 


20 


of  several  rods  from  the  place  where  I was  standing  in 
the  water;  being  so  anxious  to  obey  the  gospel,  that  they 
ran  with  all  their  might  to  the  water,  each  wishing  to  be 
baptized  first.  The  younger  being  quicker  of  foot 
Ilian  the  elder,  out  ran  him,  and  came  first  into  the 
water;  which  circumstance  reminded  me  of  Peter 
r.nd  another  disciple,  who  went  to  sec  the  sepulchre 
where  the  Savior  was  laid  ; their  anxiety  being  so  great 
to  find  out  whether  lie  wa.s  yet  there  or  not;  that  they 
had  a race  for  it.  The  circumstance  of  baptizing  being 
pome,  what  novel,  a large  concourse  of  people  assembled 
on  the  banks  ol  the  river,  to  witness  the  ceremony. 

In  the  afternoon,  Elder  Russel  preached  in  the  Mar- 
ket place,  .standing  0:1  the  (Jbieisk,  to  a very  large  con- 
gregation; numbers  oi  whom  were  pricked  to  the  heart. 
1 hus  the  work  of  the  Lord,  commenced  in  that  land, 
notwithstanding  the  rage  of  the  adversary,  and  his  at- 
tempt to  destroy  us;  a work  which  shall  roll  forth,  not 
only  in  that  land,  but  upon  all  the  face  of  the  earth,  even 
4iin  lands  and  isles  unknown.” 

The  next  morning  we  held  a council;  at  which  Elders 
Goodson  and  Richards  were  appointed  to  go  to  the  citv' 
of  l)ed ford;  there  being  a good  prospect,  from  the  infor- 
mation received,  ol  a church  being  built  up  in  that  city. 
Ehlors  Russel  and  Snider  were  appointed  to  go  to  Alston 
in  Cumberland,  near  the  borders  of  Scotland,  and  Elders 
Hyde,  l'iclding,  and  myself  were  to  remain  in  Preston, 
and  the  regions  round  about.  The  next  day,  the  breth- 
ren took  their  departure  for  the  different  fields  of  labor 
assigned  them. 

1 bothers  Hyde,  Fielding,  and  myself,  continued  lifting 
up  our  voices  in  private  houses,  at  the  corners  of  the 
streets,  in  the  Market  place,  and  whereever  the  Lord 
opened  a door.  The  following  Sabbath,  Elder  Hyde 
preached  in  the  Market  place  to  a numerous  assemblage 
both  rich  and  poor,  who  flocked  from  all  parts  to  hear 
“what  these  babblers  had  to  say”  hearing  that  we  were 
“sellers  Ibrih  ol  strange  doctrines.”  After  Brother 
.Hyde  had  got  through,  I gave  an  exhortation,  and  when 
I had  concluded,  a minister  stept  forward  to  oppose  us 
on  the  doctrines  we  advanced,  but  more  particularly  on 
the  doctrine*  of  baptism;  lie  being  a great  stickler  for  in- 
fant baptism.  Tim  people  thinking  lie  intended  to  of- 
fend us,  would  not  fey  him  proceed,  but  seemed  deter- 


mined  to  put  him  down,  and  undoubtedly  would  have 
done  so,  had  not  Brother  Ilyde  interposed  and  begged 
permission  for  the  gentleman  to  speak,  and  told  the  con* 
gregation,  that  he  was  prepared  to  meet  any  arguments 
he  might  advance;  this  appeased  the  people  who  listened 
to  the  remarks  of  the  Rev.  Gentleman:  after  which 
Brother  Hyde  spoke  in  answer  to  the  objections  which 
had  been  o He  red,  to  the  satisfaction  of  nearly  all  pres- 
ent, and  the  minister  felt  somewhat  ashamed!  One  in- 
dividual came  up  to  him  and  asked  him  what  he  now 
thought  of  his  “Baby  Baptism1’;  while  another  came  took 
him  by  the  hand,  and  led  him  out  of  the  throng.  Indeed 
all  those  who  rose  up  to  oppose  the  doctrincs°we  taught* 
were  confounded,  and  could  not  with  any  success  what- 
ever, combat  the  truths  we  preached. 

Having  had  considerable  success  the  short  time  we  had 
labored  in  that  place,  and  having  baptized  a number  that 
week,  we  requested  them  to  meet  at  the  house  of  Sister 
Dawson  for  confirmation,  that  evening,  (the  second 
Sabbath.)  The  church  having  come  together,  we  ful- 
ly explained  to  them  the  nature  of  that  ordinance,  and 
then  laid  our  hands  upon  them,  tor  the  gift  of  the  Holy 
Ghost;  and  confirmed  between  forty  and  fifty,  as  mem- 
bers of  the  church  of  Jesus  Christ  of  Latter  Day  Saints* 
While  attending  to  this  ordinance  the  spirit  of  the  Lord 
rested  down  upon  us  in  a powerful  manner;  which  caus- 
ed us  to  rejoice  excedingly;  thus  the  work  of  the  Lord 
spread  and  prevailed. 

About  this  time,  a young  lady,  the  daughter  of  a minis- 
ter of  the  Presbyterian  order,  who  resided  about  fifteen 
miles  from  Preston;  being  on  a visit  to  that  place  hap- 
pened to  be  at  the  house  of  a family  with  whom  I was  ac- 
quainted; calling  in  to  sec  them,  at  the  time  she  was 
there,  I was  introduced  to  her,  and  we  immediately  en- 
tered into  conversation  on  the  subject  of  the  gospel.  I 
found  her  a very  intelligent  person,  and  she  seemed  verv 
desirous  to  hear  the  things  I had  to  teach,  and  understand 
the  doctrines  of  the  gospel.  1 informed  her  of  an  ap- 
pointment I had  made  to  preach  that  evening,  and  invited 
her  to  attend;  she  did  so,  and  likewise  the^  evening  fol- 
lowing; and  after  attending  these  two  services  sheNvas 
fully  convinced  of  the  truth,  and  the  next  morning  sent 
for  me  desiring  to  be  baptized,  which  request  I cheer- 
fully complied  with,  and  confirmed  her  at  the  water  side. 


22 

°T!ic  following  day,  she  started  for  home,  requesting  ino 
to  pray  lor  her;  and  gave  us  some  encouragement  to  ex- 
pect, that  her  father  would  open  his  chapel  for  me  to 
preach  in.  1 then  hastened  to  my  brethren,  told  them 
of  the  circumstance,  and  the  result  of  my  visit  with  the 
young  lady,  and  then  called  upon  them  to  unite  in  pray- 
er, that  the  Lord  would  soften  the  heart  of  her  father, 
that  he  might  ho  induced  to  open  his  chapel  for  us  to 
preach  in,  and  that  our  way  might  be  opened  in  that 
place. 

The  next  week  I received  a letter  from  her,  and  cno 
from  her  father;  in  which  he  informed  me,  that  I wai 
expected  to  be  at  his  place  the  following  Saturday,  as  ho 
had  given  out  an  appointment  for  me  to  preach  in  hi i 
chapel  the  next  Sunday.  The  following  is  a copy  of  tho 
letter: 

“Sir: — You  arc  expected  to  be  here  next  Saturday. 
You  arc  given  out  to  preach  in  the  forenoon,  afternoon, 
and  evening.  Although  wc  be  strangers  to  one  another, 
yet,  1 hope  wc  arc  not  strangers  to  our  blessed  Redeem- 
er, else  1 would  not  have  given  out  for  you  to  preach, 
our  chapel  is  hut  little  and  the  congregation  but  few — 
yet  if  one  soul  be  converted,  it  is  of  more  value  than  tho 
whole  world. 

I remain  in  haste, 

JOHN  RICHARDS.” 

Agreeably  to  the  kind  invitation,!  made  preparation  to 
visit  that  place,  and  took  coach  on  Saturday  afternoon 
at  Preston,  and  arrived  at  his  house,  a little  before  dark. 
On  entering  he  arose  and  said,  4iI  understand  you  are  tho 
minister  lately  from  America,”  I told  him  I was.  lie 
then  bade  me  welcome  to  his  house,  and  seemed  to  re- 
joice at  my  arrival.  After  receiving  a comfortable  re- 
freshment at  his  hospitable  board,  we  commenced  a con- 
versation, which  lasted  till  a late  hour;  which  appear- 
ed satisfactory  to  the  whole  family.  The  next,  morning 
I accompanied  the  Rev.  Gentleman  to  his  chapel,  and  at 
the  hour  appointed,  commenced  to  preach  to  an  over- 
flowing congregation,  on  the  principles  of  salvation.  1 
likewise  preached  in  the  afternoon  and  evening;  and 
they  seemed  to  manifest  great  interest  in  tho  things  which 
1 laid  before  them.  Nearly  the  whole  congregation  were 
melted  down  into  tears.  After  I had  concluded  the  ser- 
vices of  the  day,  Mr.  Richards  gave  out  another  appoint.- 


23 


rnont  forme  to  preach  on  Monday  evening,  which  I at- 
tended to.  I likewise,  by  request  of  the  congregation, 
pleached  on  \\  ednesday  evening.  A number  now  bo- 
rn™ to  believe  the  doctrines  I advanced,  and  on  Thurs- 
day, six  individuals,  all  members  of  Mr.  Richards'  church 
mine  forward  lor  baptism.  Mr.  Richards  now  seeing 


lac  ciiect  which  my  preaching  produced,  and  fearing  lest 

C*  I > ^1. 1 I 1 / I I / . / < /x  . . 1 I 1 - _ 1 l I • B • • . 


ue  should  lose  all  his  members,  and  likewise  his  salary, 
winch  was  allowed  him  lor  preaching,  told  me,  that  ho 
must  close  the  doors  of  his  chapel  against  me;-  but  at  tho 
came  time,  his  behavior  was  kind,  and  to  his  praise  be  it 
rpoken,  treated  me  with  the  greatest  hospitality. 

I then  began  to  preach  in  private  houses,  which  wero 
opened  in  that  neighborhood,  and  I ceased  not  to  declaro 
to  all  who  came  to  hear,  noth  by  night  and  by  day,  tho 
lerious  tidings  of  salvation;  and  that  Cod  had  again  re- 
• iored  the  ordinances  as  at  the  first,  and  counsellors  as  at 
me  beginning. 

Notwithstanding  Mr.  Richards  closed  the  door  of  his 
meeting  house  against  me,  yet  he  frequently  came  to 
ucar  me  prekeh. 

f | lis  daughter  felt  very  sorrowful  on  account  of  her 
i liner,  not  allowing  me  to  preach  any  more  in  his  placo 
1 worship, and  wept  much;  but  I told  her  not  to  fear, 
i ;rl  believed  that  God  ^ would  soften  his  heart  and  cause 
u.m  to  open  his  chapel  for  me  to  preach  in  again. 

During  this  lime  I was  principally  entertained  at  his 
Louse.  The  next  Sunday  1 went  along  with  him  to  his 
meeting,  feeling  a desire  to  hear  him  preach.  After  ho 
!.:td  finished  his  discourse,  I wassurpised  to  hear  him  givo 
‘•ut  another  appointment  forme  to  preach  in  his  chapel. 

I accordingly  preached  in  the  afternoon  and  in  the  even- 
ing, and  the  word  seemed  to  be  with  power,  and  the  cf- 
loct  was  great  upon  the  people;  and  the  next  day  I bap- 
imcd  two  more,  both  members  of  Mr.  Richards’  church. 
Although  Mr.  Richards  had  preached  in  that  place  up- 
» ards  ol  thirty  years,  and  his  members,  as  well  as  tho 
inhabitants  of  the  place,  and  vicinity,  were  very  much 
dtached  to  him;  vet  when  the  fulness  of  the  gospel  was 
pieached,  although  in  much  weakness,  the  people,  not- 
withstanding their  attachment  and  regard  for  their  venor- 
:.j)lc  pastor,  being  convinced  of  their  duly,  came  forward 
md  followed  the  footsteps  of  tlic  Savior,  by  being  buried 
■a  the  likeness  of  his  death. 


o 


24 


After  laboring  for  some  time  in  this  neighborhood,  1 
was  warned  by  the  spirit  to  return  to  Preston,  and  thero 
found  that  I was  anxiously  expected  by  the  brethren, 
who  had  received  a letter  from  Brother  Richards,  and 
one  from  Brother  Russel,  which  gave  an  account  of  their 

{>roceedings  since  they  left  Preston.  Brother  Goodson 
lad  likewise  returned  from  Bedfordshire,  where  he  and 
Brother  Richards  had  labored,  who  gave  us  a relation  of 
their  mission  and  success.  He  informed  us  that  a minis- 
ter of  the  name  of  Matthews  brother-in-law  to  Elder 
Joseph  Fielding,  received  them  very  kindly  and  invited 
them  to  preach  in  his  church,  which  invitation  was  kind- 
ly accepted,  and  in  which  they  preached  several  times, 
end  a number,  amongst  whom  was  Mr.  Mathews  and 
his  lady,  believed  their  testimony,  and  the  things  which 
they  proclaimed.  Mr.  Matiiews,  had  likewise  borno 
testimony  to  his  congregation,  of  the  truth  of  these  things, 
end  that  they  were  the  same  principles  as  taught  bv 
the  apostles  in  ancient  days;  and  bcscechcd  his  church 
to  receive  the  same.  Several  of  his  members  went  for- 
ward and  obeyed  the  gospel;  and  the  time  was  appoint- 
ed when  he  was  to  be  baptized.  However  in  the  inter- 
val, something  had  caused  him  to  stumble,  and  darkness 
had  prevailed  his  mind,  insomuch  so  that  at  the  time  spe- 
cified lie  did  not  make  his  appearance,  but  went  to  a 
Baptist  minister  residing  in  that  place,  whom  he  prevail- 
ed upon  to  baptize  him;  and  then  from  that  time  he  be- 
gan to  preach  baptism  for  the  remission  of  sins;  and  no 
longer  walked  w ith  the  Saints.  However  great  part  of 
his  members  left  him  and  obeyed  the  truth,  and  in  a let- 
ter which  he  w rote  to  his  brother-in-law,  the  Rev.  Jarnei 
Fielding,  stated  that  “his  best  member  had  left  him.” 

It  would  probably  be  well  to  say  a few  words  res- 
pecting Mr.  Mathews  and  Mr.  Fielding,  and  their 
congregations,  also  their  situation  prior  to  the  time  the 
gospel  saluted  their  ears.  Mr.  Mathews  who  is  a gen- 
tleman of  considerable  learning  and  talents;  had  been  a 
minister  in  the  established  church  of  England;  but  see- 
ing a great  many  things  in  that  church,  contrary  to  truth 
and  righteousness,  and  moreover  believing  that  an  over- 
turn was  at  hand,  and  that  the  church  was  destitute  of 
the  gifts  of  the  spirit,  and  wras  not  expecting  the  Savior 
to  come  to  reign  upon  the  earth;  as  had  been  spoken  by 
the  prophets;  he  felt  led  to  withdraw  from  that  body, 


25 


and  consequently  gave  up  his  prospccts'in  that  establish- 
ment; and  began  to  preach  the  things  which  he  verily 
believed;  and  was  instrumental  in  raising  up  quite  a 
church  in  that  place. 

Mr.  J.  Fielding  had  been  a minister  in  the  methodist 
church,  but  for  some  of  the  above  causes,  had  withdrawn 
from  that  society, and  had  collected  a considerable  church 
in  Preston.  Those  gentlemen,  with  their  congregations, 
were  1 believe  diligently  contending  for  that  faith,  which 
was  once  delivered  to  the  Saints,  at  the  time  we  arrived, 
but  afterwards  rejected  the  truth.  Yet,  notwithstanding 
they  did  not  obey  the  gospel,  the  greater  portion  of  their 
members  received  our  testimony,  obeyed  the' ordinances 
we  taught,  and  are  now  rejoicing  in  the  blessings  of  the 
new  and  everlasting  covenant.  About  this  time,  Broth- 
er Snider  returned  from  the  north,  where  he  had  been 
laboring  in  company  with  Brother  Russei.  lie  stated 
that  they  had  met  with  considerable  opposition  while 
preaching  the  gospel,  but  that  some  had  obeyed  the 
truth  and  that  others  were  investigating.  After  spend- 
ing a few  days  with  us,  he  and  Brother  Goodson  took 
their  leave  of  us,  and  started  for  Liverpool  about  the 
first  of  October  on  their  way  to  America  having  business 
of  importanre  which  called  them  home. 

Although  we  were  deprived  of  the  labors  of  these 
brethren,  yet  the  wrork  of  the  Lord  continued  to  roll 
forth  with  great  power,  the  news  of  our  arrival  in 
that  city,  spread  both  far  and  w ide,  and  calls  from  all 
quarters,  to  go  and  preach,  were  constantly  sounding  in 
our  ears;  and  we  laboured  both  night  and  day, 
might  satisfy  the  people;  who  manifested  such  { \ 

for  the  truth,  as  I never  saw  before.  We  had  to^ 
small  houses,  to  very  crowded  congregations,  or.  .r 
large  assemblies  in  the  open  air;  consequently,  our'^g's 
were  very  sore  and  our  bodies  considerably  wore  down 
with  fatigue.  Soon  after  this,  we  obtained  a large  and 
commodious  place  to  preach  in,  called  “The  Cock  Pit;’" 
which  had  formerly  been  used  by  the  people,  to  witness 
those  birds  fight,  and  kill  one  another,  and  where  hun- 
dreds of  spectators  had  shouted  in  honor  of  the  barbar- 
ous sport,  which  was  once  the  pride  of  Britains;  but 
which,  I am  happy  to  say,  is  now  almost  entirely  aban- 
doned. And  now,  instead  of  the  huzzas  of  the  wicked 

3 


find  profane,  is  heard  the  gospel  of  Christ  and  the  voice 
of  praise  and  thanksgiving*  It  had  likewise  been  used 
lor  a Temperance  iiall. 

We  had  to  pay  seven  shillings  sterling  per  week  for 
the  uve  of  it.  and  two  shillings'  per  week  iov  the  lighting, 
it  being  beautifully  lit  up  with  gas.  it  is  situated  in  the 
centre  of  the  town,  and  about  twenty  rods  from  the  uold 
church,”  probably  the  oldest  in  Lancashire,  this  church 
has  twelve  bells  which  are  roung  at  every  service;  the 
noise  of  which  was,  so  great  that  we  were  unable  to 
proceed  in  our  services  until  they  had  done  ringing 
them. 

Our  meeting  was  once  disturbed  by  some  ministers  be- 
longing to  the  Methodist  church;  however  we  got  our 
place  licensed,  and  two  gentlemen,  who  were  consta- 
bles, proffered  their  services  to  keep  the  peace  and  pro- 
tect us  from  any  further  disturbances,  which  they  contin- 
ued to  do,  as  long  as  wc  stayed  in  that  land.  The  effect 
ol  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ,  now  began  to  be  apparent, 
not  only'  in  the  hearts  of  believers  but  likewise  in  the 
conduct  of  lii* -sc  who  rejected  it,  and  many  began  to 
threaten  us  with  persecution,  for  preaching  without  hav- 
ing a licence  from  the  authority  of  the  nation.  This 
idea  of  obtaining  a licence  from  the  secular  authority 
was  somewhat  novel  to  us.  but  after  consulting  our 
friends  amongst  whom  was  Mr.  Richards’  son,  (the  min- 
ister of  whom  1 have  made  mention)  an  attorney,  prac- 
tising in  that  neighborhood,  we  found  that  it  was  accord- 
ing to  the  constitution  of  that  realm.  Rrother  Hyde 
an d'r*v*self  then  made  application  to  the  quarter  sessions 
fa  *v~es  and  by  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Richards, 
o jftlvcm.  We  offered  to  remunerate  Mr.  Rich- 
ah  Allis' trouble,  but  he  refused  to  take  any  thing 
fronMHs,  saving  that  we  were  perfectly  welcome  for  any 
services  he  had  rendered  us. 

Having  now  obeyed  the  requisitions  of  the  law,  we 
fait  ourselves  tolerably  safe,  knowing  that  our  enemies 
now  could  not  lawfully  make  us  afraid  or  harm  us. 

Although  we  had  many  persecutors,  who  would  have 
rejoiced  at  our  destruction  and  who  felt  a determination 
to  overthrow  the  work  of  the  Lord,  yet  there  were  ma- 
ny who  were  very  friendly,  who  would  have  stood  by 
us  under  all  circumstances,  and  would  not  have  been 
afraid  to  hazard  their  lives  in  our  behalf. 


After  \vc  had  labored  for  some  time  in  Preston,  find 
having  baptized  u number  into  the  kingdom  of  God; 
Dr  other  Hyde  and  myself  went  about  ten  miles  into  the 
country  to  preach,  agreeably  to  an  invitation  we  had  re- 
ceived. Vv  e preached  twice  to  very  numerous  congre- 
gations,  who  paid  great  attention  to  our  word,  and  who 
marvelled  at  the  tilings  we  proclaimed.  After  which  wo 
returned  to  Preston.  Soon  alter  I paid  a visit  to  the 
church  at  Walker  Fold,  that  being  the  name  of  the  place, 
where  the  Uev.  Mr.  Richards  resided.  I found  the 
church  prospering,  and  after  laboring  a lew  days,  several 
m arc  were  added  to  their  number.  From  that  place  1 
went  to  Uashc  Lees,  where  1 preached  and  bastized  two 
persons.  From  thence,  I continued  my  journey  to  Rib- 
nhesier  situated  on  the  llivcr  Riuble,  where- 1 preached 
lo  a very  large  congregation;  and  then  returned  to 
Preston. 

^ llhviu^  had  some  very  pressing  calls,  to  go  to  soma 
villages  south  oi  Preston,  I accordingly  started  to  visit 
those  places,  in  company  with  Brother  F.  Moon,  who 
had  been  baptized  a short  time  previous.  On  arriving  at 
we  gave  out  an  appointment  to  preach, 
ami  at  the  time  appointed,  the  people  Hocked  in  crowds 
to  hear  me;  amongst  the  number,  were  five  preachers, 
who  listened  with  great  interest  to  mv  discourse,  and 
who  with  the  greatest  part  of  the  congregation,  believe;! 
the  doctrines  I advanced. 

The  next  day  I went  to  a village  called  Askin,  and 
preached  in  the  evening;  and  the  following  day  went  to 
Eggleston,  where  I had  the  priviledge  of  ju-caching  in  a 
Methodist  chapel.  The  three  last  times  I preached!  ban- 
ti'.ed  ten  individuals,  of  whom,  were  two  preachers,  be- 
longing to  the  Association  Methodists 

After  spending  several  days  in  that  neighborhood  I 
returned  to  Preston,  where  the  church  had  now  become 
numerous,  and  with  the  asistaace  of  Elders  Hyde  and 
*■  ieldsng,  proceeded  to  organize  them.  Wo  divided  the. 
church  into  several  branches,  and  appointed  proper  offi- 
cers to  preside  over  them.  Thursday  evening  was  ap- 
pointed for  prayer  meetings  to  be  held  in  diifereni 
parts,  and  Sundays  for  the  whole  church  to  assemble  in* 
the  Cock  Pit,  where  the  sacrament,  was  administered, 
and  such  instructions  given,  ns  were  thought  necessa- 
ry,  for  their  spiritual  prosperity  and  advantage. 


20 


W(iile  attending  to  this,  the  greatest  harmony  and  love 
prevailed;  and  if  ever  any  persons  received  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  like  little  children  it  was  those  brethren. 

After  having  attended  to  this  duty,  I again  went  into 
the  country,  where  I spent  the  principle  part  of  my  time; 
occasionally  visiting  Preston. 

During  my  labors,  I was  greatly  assisted  by  the  spirit 
of  the  Lord,  and  my  soul  was  comforted  exceedingly. — 
Churches  were  raised  up  in  different  directions:  and  ma- 
ny, who  had  previously  “sat  in  darkness,  upon  them  the  . 
true  light  shined,”  and  before  its  benign  and  enlightening 
rays,  the  mists  of  darkness,  the  clouds  of  error  and  su- 
perstition fled;  while  “those  who  murmured  learned  doc- 
trine and  those  who  erred  inspirit  came  to  understanding.” 

I W'as  instrumental,  in  building  up  churches  in  the  fo’* 
lowing  places,  viz:  Eccleston,  Wrightington,  Askin,  Ex- 
ton, Daubers  Lane,  Chorly,  Whittle  and  Laland  Moss, 
after  laboring  about  four  weeks;  and  baptized  upw  ards 
of  one  hundred  persons;  which  caused  me  to  rejoice  ex- 
ceedingly in  the  God  and  rock  of  my  salvation, 
that  I had  not  to  labor  in  vain,  or  spend  my  strength 
for  nought:  Moreloving  and  affectionate  saints  I never 
aavv  before,  and  they  were  patterns  of  humility. 

All  the  above  mentioned  village,  are  within  a very  short 
distance  of  each  other,  and  convenient  to  Preston. 

After  my  return  from  those  places,  I took  a tour,  to 
the  North  East  of  Preston  in  company  with  Elder  Field- 
ing, where  we  labored  together  a short  time  with  consid- 
erable succoss,  and  raised  up  churches  in  Ribchester, 
Thomly,  Soney  Gate  Lane,  and  at  Clitheroe  a very 
large  market  town  containing  several  thousand  inhabi- 
tants. At  the  latter  place  I baptized  a Preacher  and  six 
members  of  the  Methodist  church  immediately  after  I 
had  preached  the  first  time.  We  likewise  baptized  sev- 
eral in  the  town  of  Waddington  and  Downham. 

The  day  after  we  preached  in  Downham,  we  received  a 
very  pressing  invitation  to  preach  in  Chatburn,  hut  hav- 
ing given  out  an  appointment  to  preach  in  Clitheroe 
that  evening,  I informed  them,  that  I would  not  he  able 
to  comply  with  their  request;  this  did  not  satisfy  them, 
hut  they  continued  to  solicit  me  with  the  greatest  impor- 
tunity, until  I was  obliged  to  consent  to  go  with  them, 
after  requesting  Elder  Fielding  to  attend  to  the  other 
appointment* 


29 


On  my  arrival  at  the  village,  I was  cordially  received 
by  the  inhabitants,  who  turned  out  in.  large  numbers  to 
hear  me  preach.  I commenced  my  address  to  them  in 
my  usual  manner,  and  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  seemed  to 
carry  the  word  to  the  hearts  of  the  congregation, 
who  listened  with  great  attention,  and  received  the  in- 
grafted word,  which  was  able  to  make  them  wise  unto 
salvation. 

I icing  satisfied  in  my  mind,  from  the  witness  of  the 
spirit,  that  numbers  were  believing,  1 gave  an  opportu- 
nity to  those  who  wished  to  obey  the  gospel,  after  doing 
so,  and  immediately  repaired  to  the  water,  although  it 
was  late  in  the  evening;  and  before  1 had  done  I baptiz- 
ed twenty-five  for  the  remission  of  their  sins,  and  was 
engaged  in  tiiis  pleasing  duty,  until  one  o’clock,  the  next 
morning. 

After  being  absent  from  Preston  about  seven  days,  in 
which  time,  we  had  added  eighty-three  souls  to  the  church, 
we  returned,  praising  God  for  all  his  mercies,  and  for 
visiting  our  labors  with  such  abundant  success. 
t;\o  harvest  joy  can  equal  theirs 
Wh  o see  the  fruit  of  all  their  cares.” 

It  being  near  Christmas,  we  agreed  to  hold  a gen- 
eral Conference  in  Preston  on  Christmas  day,  there  be- 
ing business  of  importance  to  the  churches  to  be  attend- 
ed to;  and  likewise  several  to  be  ordained  to  the  minis- 


try. 

On  Christinas  day,  the  Saints  assembled  in  the  Cock 
Pit,  and  we  then  opened  the  Conference,  which  was  the 
first  that  was  held  by  the  church  of  Christ  in  that  coun- 
try. There  were  about  three  hundred  Saints  present 
<>n  the  occasion,  all  of  whom  with  the  exception  of  three 
had  been  baptized  within  a very  short  time.  Elcleis 
Hyde,  Fielding  ami  mvsclf  were  present.  The  brethren 
were  instructed  on  the  principles  of  the  gospel,  and  their 
several  duties  enjoined  upon  them,  as  Saints  of  the  Most 
High,  which'  were,  calculated  to  strengthen  and  bind 
them  together  in  the  cords  of  love.  We  then  proceeded 
lo  ordain  several  of  the  brethren  to  the  lesser  priesthood, 
to  take  charge  of  the  different  branches  where  they  re- 
sided, confirmed  fourteen  who  had  previously  been  bap- 
tized, and  blessed  about  one  hundred  children. 

At  tiiis  Conference,  the  word  of  wisdom  was  first 

3* 


30 


' publicly  taught,  in  that  country;  having  heretofore  taught 
it  more  by  example  than  precept;  and  from  my  own  ob- 
servation afterwards,  I am  happy  to  state,  that  it  was  al-  l 
most  universally  attended  to  by  the  brethren. 

The  spirit  of  the  Lord  was  with  us  during  our  inter- 
view; and  truly  the  hearts  of  the  Elders  were  rejoiced 
beyond  measure,  when  we  contemplated  the  glorious 
work  which  had  begun;  and  had  to  exclaim,  “It  is  the 
Lords’  doings,  and  it  is  marvelous  in  our  eyes;  and 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord.”  I felt  greatly  hum- 
bled before  the  Lord,  who  had  crowned  our  labors  with 
such  signal  success,  and  had  prospered  us  far  beyond 
my  most  sanguine  expectations. 

Immediately  after  this  Conference,  Elder  Ilyde  and 
myself  went  to  a village  called  Longton,  situate  near  the 
sea  shore,  where  we  raised  the  standard  of  truth,  and 
jMiblished  to  the  listening  crowds,  the  glad  tidings  of  sal- 
vation. After  delivering  two  discourses,  several  came 
10  us  and  requested  baptism.  It  being  very  cold  weather, 
insomuch  so  that  the  streams  were  all  frozen  up,  we  had 
to  repair  to  the  sea  shore  to  administer  that  ordinance, 
and  immersed  fifteen  in  the  waters  of  the  ocean. 

it  would  probably  be  too  tedious,  to  enumerate  all  the 
particulars  which  occurred,  during  the  time  we  sojourned 
in  that  country;  I shall  therefore  pass  over  many  events 
which,  though  pleasing  to  us  at  that  time,  which  showed 
1 iie  kind  dealings  of  our  Heavenly  Father;  but  which 
would  not  be  sufficiently  interesting  to  others.  I shall 
therefore  content  myself  by  giving  an  outline  of  the 
principal  circumstances  attending  our  mission,  which  I 
have  no  doubt  will  be  pleasing  to  the  brethren,  and  to  all 
who  love  the  prosperity  of  Zion. 

From  this  time,  until  about  five  weeks  previous  to  our 
departure  from  that  land,  we  were  continually  engaged 
in  the  work  of  ♦he  ministry,  proclaiming  the  everlasting 
gospel,  in  all  the  region  round  about,  and  baptizing  all 
such  as  believed  the  gospel  and  repented  of  their  sins. — 
And  truly,  “the  Lord  of  Hosts  was  with  us,  the  God  of 
Jacob  was  our  refuge.”  The  Holy  Ghost  the  Comforter 
was  given  to  us  and  abode  upon  us  in  a remarkable  man- 
ner, w hile  numbers  thronged  to  hear  our  addresses,  and 
“numbers  were  added  to  the  church  daily,  such  as  should 
he  saved.”  Wo  would  baptize  as  many  as  fifty  in  Pres- 
ton in  a week,  exclusive  of  those  in  the  country.  One 


31 


short  mission  which  Brother  Hyde  and  I took  into  the 
country;  after  preacing  five  discoufcarfP'on  the  principles 
of  our  holy  religion,  we  had  the  pleasure  of  immersing 
one  hundred  and  thirty  in  the  waters  of  baptism. 

Thus  mightily  ran  the  word  of  God  and  prospered;  to 
the  joy  and  comfort  of  his  servants,  and  to  the  salvation 
of  precious  and  immortal  souls;  while  the  world  was 
struck  with  amazement  and  surprise  at  the  things  which 
thev  saw  and  heard.  During  this  state  of  things,  our  cne- 
mies  were  not  idle,,  but  heaped  abuse  upon  us  with  an 
unsparing  hand,  and  issued  torrents  of  lies  after  us,  which, 
however,  I am  thankful  to  say,  did  not  sweep  us  away* 
Among  those  most  active  in  publishing  falsehoods  against 
us  and  the  truth,  were  many  of  the  reverend  clergy,  who 
were  afraid  to  meet  us  face  to  face  in  honorable  debate, 
although  particularly  requested  so  to  do,  but  sought  eve- 
ry opportunity  to  destroy  our  characters,  and  propogatc 
their  lies  concerning  us,  thus  giving  testimony  that  “they 
loved  darkness  rather  than  light.”  Although  wc  fre- 
quently called  upon  the  ministers  of  the  different  denom- 
inations, who  we  knew  had  taken  a stand  against  us,  to 
come  forward  and  investigate  the  subject  of  our  religion 
before  the  world,  in  an  honorable  manner,  and  bring 
forth  their  strong  reasons  to  disapprove  the  things  we 
taught,  and  convince  the  people  bv  sound  argument  and 
the  word  of  God,  if  they  could;  that  we  did  not  preach 
the  gospel  of  Christ,  hut  this  they  altogether  declined. — 
This  course  we  felt  moved  upon  by  the  Spirit  to  adopt# 
But  they  kept  at  a respectful  distance  and  only  came  out 
when  we  were  absent,  with  misrepresentations  and  abuse. 
It  is  true  we  suffered  some,  from  the  statements  which 
they  thought  proper  to  make,  when  we  could  get  no  op- 
portunity to  contradict  them;  but  generally,  their  re- 
ports were  of  such  a character  as  carried  along  w ith  them 
their  own  refutation. 

The  time  when  we  expected  to  return  to  our  native 
land,  having  now  nearly  arrived;  it  wras  thought  neces- 
sary, to  spend  the  short  time  we  had  to  remain  in  that 
country,  in  visiting  and  organizing  the  Churches;  plac- 
ing such  officers  over  them,  and  giving  such  instructions 
as  would  be  beneficial  to  them  during  our  absence.  Ac- 
cordingly, Brothers  Hyde,  Fielding  and  myself,  entered 
upon  this  duty,  and  we  visited  a Church  nearly  every 
day,  and  imparted  such  instructions  as  the  Spirit  direct- 


30 


ed.  We  first  visited  the  Churches  south  of  Preston,  and 
after  spending  some  lime  in  tiuit  direction  we  journeyed 
to  the  north,  accompanied  by  Brother  Richards  wi:o  had 
just  returned  from  the  city  of  Bedford;  his  health  being 
but  poor  he  was  not  aide  to  preach.  While  we  were 
attending  to  our  duties  in  that  section,  we  received  a 
very  pressing  invitation  from  a Baptist  church,  through 
the  medium  of  their  deacon  to  pay  them  a vi?it,  staling, 
.that  the  society  were  exceedingly  anxious  to  hear  from 
our  own  lips,  the  wonderful  things  we  had  proclaimed  in 
the  regions  round  about.  We  endeavored  to  excuse 
ourselves  from  going  as  our  engagements  already  were 
such,  that  it  would  require  the  short  time  we  had  to  stay 
to  attend  to  them.  But  they  seemed  determined  to  take 
no  denial,  and  plead  with  us  with  such  earnestness,  that 
we  could  not  resist  their  intreaties  and  finally  consented  i 
to  go  and  preach  once.  Having  arrived  at  the  place, 
we  found  a large  congregation  already  assembled  in  the 
Baptist  chapel,  anxiously  waiting  our  arrival.  The  min- 
ister gave  out  the  Ilymns  for  us,  and  Elder  Hyde  spoke 
on  t lie  subject  of  the  resurrection  with  great  cifect;  alter 
which  the  minister  gave  out  another  Hymn  which  was 
sung  bv  the  assembly,  and  then  he  requested  me  to  ad- 
dress them.  1 arose  and  -spoke  briefly  on  the  iirst  prin- 
ciples of  the  gospel.  During  the  services  the  congrega- 
tion was  overjoyed,  the  tears  ran  down  their  cheeks, 
and  the  minister  could  not  refrain  from  frequently  chip- 
ping 1 . is  hands  together  while  in  the  meeting  for  joy. 
After  the  service  was  over  he  took  us  to  his  house, 
where  we  were  very  kindly  entertained.  After  partak- 
ing of  his  hospitality  he  with  *:ouio  more  friends,  accom- 
panied us  to  our  lod'/mgs,  where  we  remained  in  conver- 
sation until  a very  late  hour.  The  next  morning  while 
we  were  preparing  to  depart  we  were  waited  upon  by 
several  of  the  citizens,  who  requested  us  to  preach  again 
that  day,  stating,  that  great  interest  was  felt  by  the  in- 
habitants, many  of  whom  were  in  tears,  fearing  they 
should  hear  us  no  more;  and  that  a number  of  influential 
men,  had  suspended  operation  in  their  factories,  to  allow 
th<  ir  workmen  the  privilege  of  hearing  us  preach;  but  we 
were  obliged  to  deny  them,  as  it  was  necessary  to  attend 
to  the  appointments  we  had  previously  made.  We  could 
scarcely  tear  ourselves  away  from  them  and  when  we 
(I  d so,  they  wept  like  little  children,  such  a desire  to  hear 


33 


the  gospel,  I never  saw  equalled  before.  The  Saints 
will  be  able  to  gather  some  idea  from  this  circumstance, 
of  the  great  and  extensive  calls  for  the  Elders  of  Israel 
in  that  land,  where  there  are  so  many  thousands,  thirst- 
ing for  the  streams  of  knowledge,  and  the  privileges  and 
blessings  of  the  gospel. 

After  commending  them  to  the  grace  and  mercy  of 
God,  we  went  to  Downham,  where  wc  preached  in  tho 
afternoon,  after  which  forty  came  forward  and  were  lni|>- 
ti/cd.  In  the  evening  we  called  the  churches  of  Chat- 
hum  and  Downham  together;  and  after  confirming  forty 
five  who  had  previously  been  baptized,  wc  appointed 
priests,  teachers  and  deacons  to  preside  over  them.  There 
being  something  interesting,  in  the  establishing  of  the  gos- 
pel in  these  t A O last  mentioned  villages,  I will  therefore  re- 
late the  circumstances  of  my  visit  to  those  places,  ami 
the  prospect  we  had  of  success,  prior  to  our  proclaiming 
the  truth  to  them. 

Having  been  preaching  in  the  neighborhood  of  these 
villages,  I felt  it  my  duty  to  pay  them  a visit  and  tell 
them  my  mission.  Having  mentioned  my  desires  to  sev- 
eral of  the  brethren,  they  endeavored  to  dissuade  me 
from  going,  informing  me  that  there  could  he  no  pros- 
pect of  success  whatever  as  several  ministers  of  different 
denominations  had  endeavored  to  raise  churches  in  these 
places  and  hod  frequently  preached  to  them  hut  to  no 
ctfect,  for  they  had  resisted  all  the  efforts  and  withstood 
the  attempts  of  all  sects  and  parties  for  thirty  years,  who 
seeing  all  their  attempts  futile,  had  given  them  up  to  tho 
hardness  of  their  hearts,  I was  also  informed  they  wore 
very  wicked  places  and  the  inhabitants  were  hardened 
against  the  gospel.  However  this  did  not  discourage 
me  in  the  least,  believing  that  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ 
could  reach  the  heart,  when  the  gospels  of  men  were 
found  abortive,  I consequently  told  those  who  tried  to 
dissuade  me  from  going,  that  these  were  the  places  I 
wanted  to  go  to,  and  that  it  was  mv  busincs,  “to  call  not 
the  righteous,  hut  sinners  to  repentance.”  Accordingly 
1 went  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  I soon 
procured  a large  barn  to  preach  in,  which  was  crowded 
to  excess.  Having  taken  my  stand  in  the  middle  of  the 
congregation  so  that  all  might  he  able  to  hear,  I com- 
menced my  discourse,  spoke  with  great  simplicity  on  the 
subject  of  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus 


S4 


Christ,  the  conditions  of  pardon  for  a fallen  world,  and 
the  privileges  and  blessings  of  all  those  who  embraced 
the  truth;  i likewise  said  a little  on  the  subject  of  the 
resurrection.  My  remarks  were  accompanied  by  the 
spirit  of  the  Lord  and  were  received  with  joy,  and  those 
people  who  were  represented  as  being  so  hard  and  obdu- 
rate, were  melted  down  into  tenderness  and  love,  an  d 
such  a feeling  was  produced  as  I never  saw  before,  and 
the  idled  seemed  to  be  general. 


1 then  told  them,  that  being  a servant  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,.  I stood  ready  at  all  times  to  administer  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  gospel.  Alter  1 had  concluded,  i felt  some 
one  pulling  at  my  coat.  I turned  round  and  asked  the 
person  what  it  was  they  desired,  the  answer  was  i;please 
sir,  will  you  baptize -me,”  “and  nicy’  ••and  me,”  exclaim- 
ed more  than  a dozen  voices.  We  accordingly  went 
down  into  the  water,  and  before  1 left,  1 baptized  twenty 
live  for  the  remission  of  sins — and  was  engaged  in  this 
delightful  duty  until  four  o’clock  the  next  morning. — 
Another  evening  the  congregation  was  so  numerous  that 


1 had  to  preach  in  the  open  air,  and  took  my  stand  on  a 
stone  wall,  and  afterwards  baptized  a number.  These 
towns  seemed  tube  affected  from  one  end  to  the  other, 
parents  called  their  children  together,  spoke  to  them  of 
the  subjects  which  I had  preached,  and  warned  them 
against  swearing  and  all  oilier  evil  practices  and  instruct- 
ed them  in  their  duty,  &c.  Such  a scene  I pre- 
sume was  never  witnessed  in  this  place  before — the 
hearts  of  the  people  appeared  to  be  broken  and  the  next 
morning  they  were  all  in  tears  thinking  they  should  see 
my  face  no  more.  When  J left  them  my  feelings  were 
such  as  I cannot  describe,  as  I walked  down  the  street 
follow  ed  by  numbers,  the  doors  were  crowded  by  the  in- 
mates of  th-a  houses  to  bid  us  a last  farewell,  who  conk- 
on!  v give  vent  to  their  grief  in  sobs  and  broken  accents. 
While  enntemnlnting  this  scene  we  were  induced  to  take 


oifourhats,  for  we  felt  as  if  the  place  was  holy  ground — 
the  Spirit  of  the  -Lord  rested  down  upon  us,  and  1 was 
constrained  to  bless  that  whole  region  of  country,  we 
w ere  followed  by  a great  number,  a considerable  distance 
from  the  villages  who  could  hardly  seperate  themselves 
from  us.  Aiy  heart  was  like  unto  theirs,  and  1 thought 
m v head  was  a fountain  of  tears,  for  1 wept  for  several 
miles  after  1 bid  them  adieu.  From  thence  we  returned 


35 


to  Preston  and  alter  a short  stay,  visited  Pen  wort; '.am  and 
Lnngton  and  organized  the  churches  in  these  places 
which  consist  of  about  fifty  members  each.  On  the  first 
«>i  April  we  returned  to  Preston  and  agreed  to  hold  a 
genera!  Conference  of  the  church  of  Jesus  Christ  of  [.al- 
ter Day  Saints  in  that  country  on  the  eighth  inst. : it  be- 
ing the  day  previous  to  our  departure*  The  interval 
was  spent  in  preaching,  baptising*  confirming,  and  set- 
ting in  order  the  churches,  and  it  being  known  that  we 
had  but  a short  time  to  remain  in  that  country;  great 
numbers  flocked  to  hear  11s  preach,  and  numbers  were 
baptized:  some  days  we  went  from  house  t<>  house  con- 
versing with  the  people  on  the  tilings  of  the  kingdom 
and  would  sometimes  by  such  a course  be  instrumental 
in  convincing  many  of  the  truth;  and  I have  known  as 
many  as  twenty  persons  baptized  in  one  day*  w ho  have 
been  Iconvinced  on  such  occasions:  they  were  like  Lydia 
of  old  “who  gladly  received  the  .word*.”  1 have  had  to 
go  into  the  water  to  administer  the  ordinance  of  baptism 
six  or  seven  times  in  a day,  and  frequently  after  hav- 
ing come  out  of  the  water  and  changed  my  clothes,  I 
have  had  to  return  back  again  before  I reached  my  home; 
this  too  when,  the  weather  was  extremely  .cold,  the  ice 
being  from  twelve  to  fourteen  inches  thick,  which  con- 
bnuedso  about  twelve  weeks,  during  which-  time  I think 
there  were  but  ten  days, in  which  we  were  not  in  the 
water;  “the  harvest  was  indeed  plenteous  hut  the  labor- 
ers were  few.”  This  was. very,  extraordinary  weather 
im*  that  country;  as  I was  informed  that  some  winters 
•hey  had  scarcely  any  frost  or  snow, am!  the  oldest  inhab- 
.t  nits  told  me,  that  they  never  experienced  such  a winter 
nelorc.  In  consequence  of  the  inelemenev  of  the  weatli- 
'•p,  several  manufacturing  establishments  were  shut  up, 
and  several  thousand  workmen  as  well  as  women  and 
hildren  were  thrown  out  of  employment,  whose  suffer- 
ings during  that  time  were  severe,  and  1 was  credibly  in- 
formed. and  verily  believe,  that  numbers  perished  from 
starvation.  Such  sufferings  1 never  witnessed  in  my 
hf*c  before  and  the  scenes  which  I daily  beheld  while  in 
'hat  country  was  ready  to  chill  the  blood  in  my  veins: 
’he  streets  were  crowded  with  men,  women  and  chil- 
dren, who  solicited  alms  from  the  passengers  as  thev 
walked  along.  IS  umbers  of  those  poor  wretches  were 


36 


without  shoes  or  stockings  and  scarcely  any  covering  to 
6creen  them  from  the  inclemency  of  the  w eather. 

Oh!  when  will  distress  and  poverty  and  pain  cease, 
and  peace  and  plenty  abound?  When  the  Lord  Jesus 
6hall  descend  in  the  clouds  of  heaven — when  the  rod  of 
the  oppressor  shall  be  broken.  Hasten  the  time;G  Lord, 
was  frequently  the  language  of  my  heart,  when  1 contem- 

1)lated  the  scenes  of  wretchedness  and  w oe,  which  1 dai- 
y w itnessed  and  my  prayer  to  my  heavenly  Father  w as, 
that  if  1 had  to  w itness  a succession  of  such  scenes  of 
wretchedness  and  w oe,  that  he  would  harden  my  heart, 
for  those  things  w ere  too  much  for  me  to  bear,  neither 
could  1 endure  them:  This  is  no  exaggerated  account, 
1 have  used  no  coloring  here,  but  they  are  facts  which 
will  meet  the  Elders  of  Israel  when  they  shall  go  forth 
into  that  land,  and  then  I can  assure  them  they  will  not 
be  surprised  at  my  feelings. 

But  to  return.  During  this  time  not  only  w ere  great 
numbers  initiated  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  but  those 
who  were  sick  w ere  healed,  and  those  who  w ere  diseas- 
ed flocked  to  us  daily,  and  truly  their  faith  was  great, 
such  as  I hardly  ever  w itnessed  before,  consequently  ma- 
ny w ere  healed  of  their  infirmities  and  sicknesses.  We 
were  continually  employed  and  hardly  gave  “sleep  to 
our  eyes  or  slumber  to  our  eyelids,”  and  some  nights  we 
w'ould  hardly  close  them.  The  task  wras  almost  more 
than  we  could  endure,  but  realizing  the  circumstances  of 
this  people,  their  love  of  the  truth,  their  humility  and 
unfeigned  charity,  caused  us  to  use  all  diligence  and  make 
good  use  of  every  moment  of  time,  for  truly  our  bow  els 
yearned  over  them.  Notwithstanding  our  unwearied 
and  unceasing  labors,  wrc  could  not  fill  the  calls  w e had 
from  day  to  day,  for  the  work  kept  spreading,  the  pros- 
pect of  usefulness  grew  brighter  and  brighter,  and  the 
field  opened  larger  and  larger,  w hile  the  cries  from  the 
North,  from  the  South,  from  the  East  and  from  the  West 
of  come  over  and  help  us,  were  more  and  more  frequently 
sounding  in  our  ears. 

The  reader  will  not,  I think  accuse  me  of  egotism, 
when  I say  that  we  were  diligent,  fori  do  not  remember 
during  the  last  six  months  I spent  in  that  country,  of  re- 
tiring to  my  bed  earlier  than  twelve  o’clock  1\  M.  which 
was  also  the  case  w ith  Brothers  Hyde  and  Fielding. — 
Brother  Hyde  w as  laid  up  with  sickness  about  six  w eeks 


37 


on  account  of  his  excessive  labors,  from  which  however 
lie  was  happily  restored. 

On  the  eighth  day  of  Apiil  A.  D.  1033,  it  being  Sun- 
day, and  the  time  appointed  for  a general  Conference  of 
ihc  Saints  in  that  kingdom,  and  the  day  previous  to  our 
departure  from  them;  they  began  to  assemble  at  an 
early  hour  in  the  morning,  and  by  nine  o’clock  there 
were  from  six  to  seven  hundred  of  the  Saints  assem- 
bled from  various  parts  of  the  country. 

The  meeting  was  opened  by  singing  and  prayer. — 
While  1 contemplated  the  congregation  then  assembled, 
which  had  been  brought  into  the  kingdom,  through  our 
instrumentality  in  such  a short  time,  I was  truly  grate- 
ful to  mv  heavenly  Father,  and  my  soul  did  magnify  his 
holy  name,  while  my  aspirations  ascended  to  heaven, 
that  all  those  who  had  embraced  the  gospel,  might,  thrdUgh 
endurance  of  faith  unto  the  cr:l,  share  in  the  glories  of 
the  eternal  world,  and  sit  down  with  Abraham,  Isaac  and 
Jacob  in  the  kingdom  of  our  Father. 

To  one  whp  has  been  the  humble  instrument  in  th© 
hands  of  God  of  bringing  souls  into  the  kingdom,  and  who 
has  instructed  them  in  the  tilings  of  God,  and  has  rejoic- 
ed in  seeing  their  minds  expand,  and  their  ready  recep- 
tion of  the  truth  of  heaven,  and  whose  souls  arc  humble 
and  filled  with  gratitude  to  God,  for  sending  them  his 
servants  to  lead  them  into  the  wavs  of  truth;  there  is  a 
tic  of  no  ordinary  kind,  binds  that  individual  to  such  a 
people,  and  it  requires  considerable  effort  of  mind  to 
tear  himself  away  from  such  an  affectionate  and  loving 
society. 

After  the  meeting  was  opened,  we  proceeded  to  giv© 
instructions  to  the  official  members,  reminding  them  of 
their  several  duties,  and  callings,  and  the  responsibilities 
which  rested  upon  them,  pressed  upon  them  the  necessi- 
ty of  being  humble  and  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  their 
duties,  so  that  by  patience,  by  meekness,  and  by  love  un- 
feigned, they  might  commend  themselves  to  God  and  to 
the  church  of  Jesus  Christ;  over  whom  the  Holy  Ghost 
had  made  them  overseers. 

Believing  it  necessary  for  the  good  of  the  kingdom,  %o 
have  some  one  to  preside  over  the  whole  church,  vre 
nominated  Brother  Joseph  Fielding  to  be  appointed  to 
that  office,  and  Brothers  Levi  Richards  and  Wm.  Clayton 

4 


30 


to  be  his  counselors;  the  nomination  met  with  the  appro- 
bation of  the  whole  assembly,  who  agreed  to  hearken  to 
their  instructions  anil  uphold  them  in  their  ofiiccs;  thcs 
brethren  were  then,  w ith  eight  Elders,  several  Priests, 
Teachers  and  Deacons,  set  apart  and  ordained  to  'the 
several  cilices  to  which  they  were  called.  One  of  the 
brethren  who  was  ordained,  was  going  to  Manchester, 
one  of  the  largest  manufacturing  towns  in  England,  anil 
another  to  the  city  of  London,  and  who  undoubted- 
ly would  carry  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to  those  phi- 


ces. 


We  then  laid  hands  upon  forty  individuals  who  had 
previously  been  baptized,  for  the  gift  of  the  Iloly  Olios*; 
after  which  about  one  hundred  children  were  presented 
to  us  to  receive  a blessing,  and  the  same  day  w e bap- 
tized. tw  enty  individuals  lor  the  remission  of  sins,  and 
then  proceeded  to  administer  the  sacrament  to  this  nu- 
merous assembly;  we  then  gave  some  general  instruc- 
tions to  the  w hole  church,  respecting  their  duty  to  God 
and  to  one  another,  which  w ere  listened  to  with  great 
attention,  and  were  treasured  up  in  the  hearts  of  'most 
who  were  present.  At  o o’clock  P.  M.  we  brought 
the  Conicrcncc  to  a close,  it  having  continued  without 
intermission  from  nine  o’clock  A.  M.  We  then  appoin- 
ted seven* o’clock  the  same  evening,  to  deliver  cur  fare- 
well addresses.  At  the  time  appointed  we  repaired  to 
the  meeting,  which  was  crowded  to  excess.  Brother 
Ilydc  and  myseli  then  spoke  to  them  respecting  our  la- 
bors in  that  land,  the  success  of  our  ministry,  and  the 
kindness  \vc  had  experienced  at  their  hands,  told  them 
that  w e hoped  before  long  to  see  them  again,  after  we 
had  visited  the  church  and  our  families  in  America:  but 
when  w e spoke  of  our  departure  their  hearts  were  bro- 
ken within  them,  they  gave  vent  to  their  feelings  and 
wept  like  children,  and  broke  out  in  cries  like  t lie  follow- 
ing: 44IIowt  can  we  part  with  our  beloved  brethren”  4iwe 
may  never  see  them  again.”  4*0  why  can  you  leave  us” 
fcc.  I could  not  refrain,  my  feelings  only  found  vent  in 
a flood  of  tears. 


Some  persons  may  bo  disposed  to  accuse  me  of  weak- 
ness on  this  occasion,  but  if  any  should  do  so,  1 would 
say  that  I do  not  envy  any  man’s  feelings,  who  could 
witness  such  a scene,  with  all  its  associations,  and  the 
finer  feelings  of  his  heart  strings  lmt  to  be  touched  oil 


39 


an  occasion;  indeed  it  would  have  been  almost  an 
impossibility  lor  us  to  have  left  this  dear  and  affectionate 
people,  had  wo  not. had  the  most  implicit  confidence  in 
the  brethren  who  were  appointed  to  preside  over  them 
in  our  absence;  but  knowing  their  faith  and  virtuous 
conversation,  and  that  they  had  the  confidence  of  the 
church,  we  felt  confident  that  the  affairs  of  the  church 
would  he  conducted  in  ri ghtousness;  consequently  we 
left  them  under  different  feelings  than  we  otherwise 
could,  had  they  laid  no  shepherd. 

Immediately  after  dismissing  we  mot  the  official  mem- 
bers at  a private  house,  the  number  of  whom  were  eighty, 
and  instructed  them  further  in  their  duty  and  broke  up 
at  one  o’clock  the  next  morning.  This  was  certainly 
nne  of  the  most  interesting  conferences  I ever  attended, 
the  services  were  calculated  to  convince  the  honest  and 
to  give  joy  to  Saints,  and  will  long  be  remembered  by 
all  those  who  attended,  and  I have  no  doubt  was  the 
means  of  great  and  lasting  good.  At  this  conference 
we  were  favoured  with  the  company  of  Elders  Isaac 
Russel  and  Willard  Richards.  The  latter  had  returned 
from  the  county  of  Bedford,  where  he  had  been  pro- 
claiming the  gospel;  in  consequence  of  sickness  his  la- 
bors had  not  ocen  so  extensive  as  they  otherwise  would 
have  been,  and  were  confined  a short  distance  from 
the  city  of  Bedford  where  lie  raised  up  two  small  bran- 
ches, which  lie  set  in  order  and  ordained  one  Elder  and 
ether  officers.  lie  labored  under  considcrblc  difficulty 
in  consequence  of  the  conduct  of  Elder  Goodson  who 
accompanied  him  on  that  mission,  who  taught  many 
things  which  were  not  in  wisdom,  which  proved  a har- 
rier to  the  spread  of  the  truth  in  that  region;  Elder 
Russel  had  returned  from  a mission  to  the  iVorth.  hav- 
ing been  laboring  in  the  county  of  Cumberland  near 
the  borders  of  Scotland,  where  numbers  of  his  friends 
resided.  While  lie  was  there  he  met  with  considerable 
opposition  even  from  those  of  his  own  family,  as  well  as 
the  ministers  of  the  diflerent  denominations  who  sought 
every  opportunity  to  block  up  his  way  and  to  destroy 
his  influence. 

However,  notwithstanding  the  great  opposition,  ho 
was  instrumental  of  bringing  upwards  of  sixty  souls  into 
the  kingdom  of  God,  and  left  them  rejoicing  in  the  truth, 
and  strong  in  the  faith  of  the  gospel.  Tims  the  great 


40 


work  which  is  to  go  through  the  length  and  breadth -of 
that  land,  which  will  cause  the  hearts  of  thousands  to 
rejoice,  and  the  poor  and  meek  to  increase  their  joy 
in  the  Lord — w hich  .“hall  lead  the  honest  hearted  to  the 
fountain  of  truth — w hich  shall  prepare  a holy  company 
from  that  nation  to  meet  the  Lord  Jesus  when  he  shall 
dcsend  in  in  the  mansions  of  glory,  and  from  the  regions 
which  are  not  km  wn — which  shall  cause  thousands  to 
rail  against  the  doctrines  of  Christ  and  his  servants,  and. 
persecute  the  honest  in  heart;  which  shall  prepare  the 
ungodly  for  the  day  .of  vcngcnce  of  our  Cod,  and  shall 
bind  them  together  in  tins  cords  ol  darkness;  was  coni' 
mcnecd  in  three  places,  via:  Preston,  Bedford  anil  Als- 
ton, which  forcibly  reminds  me  of  the  parable  of  the  leav- 
en, which  the  woman  cast  into  three  measures  of  meal. 

During  our  stay  in  Preston,  wc  made  our  home  at  tho 
house  of  Sister  Daw  son  in  Pole  street,  we  purchased  our 
provisions  which  she  cooked  for  us,  which  is  quite  cus- 
tomary in  that  country.  For  our  room,  lodging  and 
cooking  and  a good  coal  fire,  we  each  paid  the  sum  of 
two  shillings  sterling  per  week,  which  is  but  little  more 
than  half  the  usual  charge,  Sister  Dawson  was  very 
kind  unto  us,  indeed  the  hearts  of  all  the  Saints  were 
open  to  liberality,  and  according  to  their  circumstances 
they  contributed  liberally  of  their  substance,  and  many 
blessings  of  a temporal  nature,  we  received  from  them, 
for  w hich  I pray  that  my  heavenly  Father  may  reward 
them  an  hundred  fold  in  this  w orld,  and  in  the  w orld  to 
come  with  life  everlasting. 

During  the  time  wc  labored  in  England  wc  made  no 
public  contributions,  except  for  the  poor.  When  wo 
were  about  taking  our  departure,  the  church  know  ing 
we  had  no  means  to  carry  us  to  our  native  land,  with 
a liberality  characteristic  of  them,  contributed  to  our 
necessities,  and  provided  us  with  means  to  take  us  as  far 
as  Kirtland,  Ohio.  The  next  day,  being  the  ninth  of 
April,  we  engaged  our  passage  to  Liverpool  in  a coach, 
which  was  to  start  at  twelve  o’clock  the  same  day. — 
At  the  time  appointed  wc  w ere  at  the  place  of  starting, 
and  were  soon  surrounded  with  the  hrethen,  who  felt 
determined  to  see  us  depart,  many  of  w 'hose  countenan- 
ces clearly  showed  their  sorrow’  at  our  departure;  how- 
ever we  had  to  hid  them  farewell,  and  w ore  soon  out  of 
sight;  there  eyes  followed  us  as  long  as  they  could  see  us. 


41 


Notwithstanding  the  variegated  scenery  of  the  conn* 
try,  which  in  England  is  very  beautiful,  my  mind  re- 
verted back  to  the  time  when  1 first  arrived  in  that 
country;  and  the  peculiar  feelings  of  mind  when  1 travel- 
ed from  Liverpor  1 to  Preston  some  months  before.  Then 
1 was  a stranger  in  a stangc  land,  and  bad  nothing  to  re- 
ly upon  but  the  kindness  and  mercy  of  that  (led  who 
had  sent  me  there.  While  1 mused  on  these  things  my 
soul  was  humbled  within  me,  and  I had  to  exclaim, 
Lsurelv  this  is  the  Lord’s  doings  and  marvelous  in  my 
eyes,*’  for  then  1 had  hundreds  of  brethren,  to  whom  I 
was  united  in  bonds  the  most  endearing  and  sacred,  and 
who  loved  me  as  their  own  souls,  and  whose  prayers 
would  be  continually  offered  up  for  my  welfare  and  pros- 
perity. After  a ride  of  about  four  hours,  v>re  arrived  at 
Liverpool,  and  ascertaining  the  ship  in  which  we  intend- 
ed to  sail,  would  not  leave  that  port  as  early  ns  was  ex- 
pected, in  consequence  of  a great  storm  which  had  taken 
place,  in  which  several  vessels  had  been  wrecked  and  a 
number  of  lives  lost.  We  took  lodirings  a few  davs  un- 
til  the  vessel  should  depart. 

While  in  Liverpool,  we  were  waited  upon  bv  Elders 
Fielding  and  Richards,  who,  feeling  desirous  to  obtain 
all  the  information  they  could  procure  respecting  the  gov- 
ernment ot  the  church,  thought  that  it  would  be  a favor- 
able time  to  do  so,  as  our  opportunities  of  instruction 
had  been  but  limited  while  in  Preston,  and  it  being  almost 
impnsiblc  to  have  much  private  intercourse,  their  being 
so  many  who  wished  to  converse  with  us  on  the  subject, 
of  the  gospel  &c.  lbitin  this  thing  they  were  disap- 
pointed, for  as  soon  as  it  was  known  in  Preston  and  re- 
gions round  about,  that  our  departure  was  delayed,  then 
■numbers  of  the  brethren,  came  from  thence,  to  visit  m 
in  Liverpool  before  we  left,  their  shores. 

On  the  20  Jh  we  went  on  board  the  slop  Garrick  (be- 
ing the  same  slop  in  which  we  went)  bound  for  \ev, 
^ ork.  and  the  same  day  trot  under  way.  .Soon  after  we 
left  Liverpool  a great  storm  came  on,  with  a head  wind, 
and  continued  without  cessation  tor  several  davs,  which 
did  considerable  damage  jo  ih^  vessel;  the  bowsprit  was 
broken  twice  by  the  force  ol  the  wind  with  only  the 
gib  sail  set.  the  boom  likewise  came  down  with  great 
force  near  the  place  where  the  Captain  was  standby. 

4* 


42 


but  he  fortunately  escaped  without  injury;  several  oth- 
er parts  of  the  rising  were  much  torn  and  injured.  Dur- 
ing the  time  tnc  storm  lasted,  Brothers  llyde  and  Russel 
were  very  sick.  After  this  we  had  more  favorable 
weather.  When  we  had  been  on  the  water  two  weeks, 
1 asked  permission  of  the  Captain  for  one  of  us  to  preach, 
which  request  was  cheerfully  complied  with,  and  the 
second  Cabin  was  prepared  for  the  occasion.  Brother 
Russel  preached,  alter  which  Brother  llyde  made  somo 
observations;  the  discourses  were  listened  too  with  great 
attention,  and  the  congregation  appeared  very  much  sat- 
isfied. The  Lord  gave  us  favor  in  the  eyes  of  the  Cap- 
tain, and  the  passengers,  who  treated  us  with  respect 
and  kindness.  Those  who  were  in  the  same  Cabin  with 
ourselves,  and  with  whom  we  had  more  frequent  oppor- 
tunity of  conversing,  treated  us  like  brothers,  and  took 
pleasure  in  administering  to  our  wants,  and  told  us  it 
they  had  any  thing  we  needed  it  was  at  our  service. 
1 hardly  ever  remembered  traveling  with  more  agreeable 
or  kind  hearted  people,  and  I pray  that  the  Lord  may 
bless  them  abundantly  and  reward  them  an  hundred 
fold  for  all  the  kindness  shown  to  his  servants. 

Nothing  very  paticular  occur. ed  during  the  remainder 
of  the  passage;  the  weather  for  the  most  part  was  fa- 
vorable. On  the  12th  day  of -May  we  came  in  sight  of 
New  York,  and  in  the  evening  we  secured  a landing,  after 
a passage  of  twenty  two  undone  half  days.  The  ship 
New  England,  which  left  Liverpool  on  the  same  day  we 
did,  came  in  about  one  hour  afterwards. 

The  sight  of  my  native  land  filled  my  soul  with  glad- 
ness. \Ye  then  went  into  the  city  with  several  of  the 
passengers,  who  purchased  some  refreshments,  and  after 
we  returned  bade  us  partake  with  them,  and  we  all  re- 
joiced together;  \vc  then  bowed  down  before  the  Lord 
and  offered  up  the  gratitude  of  our  hearts  for  all  his  mer- 
cies, in  prospering  us  in  our  mission  and  blinking  us 
safely  across  the  mighty  deep,  to  behold  once  more,  tho 
land  of  our  nativity,  and  the  prospect  of  soon  embracing 
our  families  and  friends. 

The  next  morning  we  went  in  search,  of  Brother  Ford- 
ham,  whom  we  fromul  after  some  trouble,  he  was  rejoic- 
ed to  see  us  and  immediately  took  us  to  the  house  of 
Brother  Macc,  where  we  were  glad  to  see  our  beloved 
Brother  Orson  Pratt  who  was  then  laboring  in  that  city, 


43 


and  who,  with  Elder  Farley  P.  Pratt  his  brother,  had 
been  instrumental  in  bringing  many  into  the  kingdom  in 
that  city,  which  intelligence  gave  us  great  joy,  for  w hen 
we  left  New  York  for  England,  there  was  only  one  be- 
longing to  the  church  in  that  city. 

It  being  Sunday,  we  accompancd  Brother  Pratts  to  tho 
house  where  the  Saints  were  accustomed  to  assemble 
for  worship.  On  entering  the  house  we  found  about 
eighty  persons  assembled,  all  whom  had  recently  joined 
the  church.  After  singing  and  prayer,  I was  requested 
to  give  an  acount  of  our  mission  to  England.  1 accord- 
ingly arose  and  told  them  the  things  which  had  happened 
to  us  since  our  departure,  and  the  great  and  glorious  work 
which  our  heavenly  Father  had  commenced  on  the  is- 
lands of  the  sea,  and  the  great  desire  of  the  English  to 
hear  the  tilings  w hich  the  Lord  had  brought  to  pass  on 
this  continent,  and  their  ready  reception  of  the  truth  of 
the  gospel.  The  information  gave  great  joy  to  the  Saints, 
and  they  united  with  us  in  praising  the  name  of  tho 
Lord  for  his  wonderful  w orks  to  the  children  of  men. 
In  tho  evening  Elder  Russel  and  Hyde  preached,  and  a 
great  effect  was  produced,  and  some  came  forward  and 
offered  themselves  as  candidates  for  baptism.  The  short 
time  we  were  in  New  York  was  spent  very  agreeably 
w ith  the  Saints,  w ho  are  indeed  a kind  and  affectionate 
people.  Tiie  next  day  w e hade  adieu  to  the  brethren 
and  commenced  our  journey  to  Finland  by  Steam  Boat 
and  Rail  Road,  and  arrived  there  on  the  22nd  day  of 
May,  A.  J).  1830,  having  been  absent  eleven  months 
find  nine  days. 

1 found  my  family  in  good  health,  and  as  comfortably 
situated  as  1 could  expect;  and  our  joy  wras  mutual. — - 
'i'he  Saints  in  Kiri  land  likewise  received  us  with  joy 
and  welcomed  us  home. 

But  my  journey  was  not  yet  ended;  for  soon  after  my 
arrival  in  Kirtland,  i had  to  make  preparation  to  move  to 
the  State  of  Missouri,  w here  the  greater  part  of  the 
church  had  already  removed.  One  great  cause  of  their 
removal  to  the  west,  was  the  persecutions  to  which  they 
were  subject  in  Kirtland.  The  brethren  who  yet 
resided  there,  although  very  kind  and  affectionate, 
were  weak  in  the  faith,  in  consequence  of  trials  and 
temptations.  This  caused  us  to  grieve  exceedingly,  and 


44 


we  resolved  to  cheer  them  up  as  much  as  we  possibly 
could. 

Being  solicited  to  preach  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  we 
did  so,  and  after  preaching  a few  times,  and  recounting 
our  travels,  and  the  great  success  which  had  attended  our 
labors,  and  also  the  marvelous  work  which  the  Lord  had 
commenced,  and  was  still  carrying  on  in  the  old  country; 
they  began  to  take  courage,  their  confidence  increased, 
and  their  faith  was  strengthened,  and  they  again  realized 
the  blessings  of  Jehovah. 

As  soon  as  our  circumstances  would  permit  we  com- 
menced our  jourhey  to  the  State  of  Missouri,  by  water, 
a distance  of  nearly  eighteen  hundred  miles,  and  after  en- 
during considerable  fatigue,  arrived  in  safety  at  Far 
Weston  the  25th  of  July:  and  had  the  pleasure  of  be- 
holding the  faces  of  numbers  of  our  friends  and  brethren, 
in  the  kingdom  and  patience  of  Jesus;  some  of  whom 
were  so  glad  to  see  us,  that  the  tears  started  in  their 
eyes  when  we  took  them  by  the  hand. 

There  is  indeed  something  peculiarly  pleasing  to  the 
Saint,  who  after  a long  separation,  beholds  the  friends  to 
whom  he  is  united  in  bonds  the  most  sacred,  and  with 
whom  he  has  probably  traveled  to  preach  the  gospel, 
and  with  them  passed  through  many  scenes  of  sorrow 
and  aflliction.  At  that  time  every  pleasing  association 
is  revived, and  memory  fondly  clings  to  those  scenes,  the 
contemplation  of  which  affords  pleasure;  while  every 
thing  of  an  opposite  nature  is  forgotten  and  buried  in 
oblivion. 

During  cur  journey  from  Kirtland  to  Missouri,  the 
weather  was  remarkably  warm,  in  consequence  of  which 
I suffered  very  much,  and  my  body  was  broken  down 
by  sickness,  and  I continued  very  feeble  for  a considera- 
ble length  of  time. 

The  first  Sunday  after  my  arrival  at  Far  West  I was 
called  upon  to  preach  to  the  Saints,  which  I endeavored 
to  do,  although  1 was  scarcely  able  to  stand.  1 related 
many  things  respecting  my  mission  and  travels,  which 
were  gladly  received  by  the  brethren,  whose  hearts 
•were  cheered  by  the  recital,  while  many  of  the  Elders 
were  stirred  up  to  diligence,  and  expressed  a great  desire 
to  accompany  us,  when  we  should  return  to  England. 

Soon  after  my  arrival,  1 had  a lot  given  me  by  Bishop 
Partridge,  and  also,  suliicient  timber  to  build  me  a house. 


45 


While  it  was  creating,  I lived  in  a place  1 built  for  my 
cow,  about  eleven  feet  square,  and  in  which  I could  hard- 
ly stand  upright.  The  brethren  were  remarkably  kind, 
and  contributed  to  my  necessities.  One  of  them,  viz: . 
Charles  Hubbard  made  me  a present  of  forty  acres  ot 
land,  another  gave  me  a cow,  &c. 

When  I had  nearly  finished  iny  house,  and  after  much 
labor,  1 was  obliged  to  abandon  it  to  the  mob,  who  at  that 
lime  commenced  persecuting  the  Saints,  driving  off  their 
cattle,  and  destroying  their  property. 

It  will  not  be  expected  that  1 should  recapitulate  tho 
circumstances  which  then  transpired,  which  were  of  an 
extraordinary  character,  as  numbers  have  written  on  tho 
subject:  sullice  it  to  say,  that  the  Saints  suffered  priva- 
tions, hunger,  abuse,  cold,  famine,  and  many  of  them 
death.  Yes,  the  blood  of  the  Saints  has  stained  the  soil 
of  Missouri,  for  which  the  King  of  Kings  and  Lord  of 
Hosts  will  recompence  upon  her,  the  punishment  of  her 
crimes. 

From  about  the  6th  of  August,  until  the  1st  of  Novem- 
ber, t was  a continual  scene  of  agitation,  and  alarm, 
both  by  night  and  by  day.  The  enemies  of  righteous- 
ness were  determined  to  overthrow  the  Saints,  and  re- 
gardless of  all  laws,  (which  was  trampled  upon  with  im- 
punity,) they  made  every  preparation,  and  used  every 
means  in  their  power  to  accomplish  their  unhallowed 
designs. 

The  Saints,  tenacious  of  their  liberties,  and  sacred 
rights,  resisted  these  unlawful  designs,  and  with  courage 
worthy  of  them,  they  guarded  their  families  and  their 
homes,  from  the  aggressions  of  the  mob,  but  not  without 
the  loss  of  several  lives,  among  w hom  was  my  much  es- 
teemed and  much  lamented  friend,  Elder  David  W.  Pat- 
ten who  fell  a sacrifice  to  the  fell  spirit  of  persecution, 
and  a martyr  to  the  cause  of  truth.  The  circumstance* 
of  his  death  I will  briefly  relate. 

It  being  ascertained  that  a mob  had  collected  on  Crook- 
ed river  in  the  county  of  Caldwell,  a company  of  sixty  or 
reventy  persons  immediately  volunteered  from  Far  West 
to  watch  their  movements  and  repel  their  attacks,  and 
chose  Elder  Patten  for  their  commander,  they  commenc- 
ed their  march  about  midnight,  and  came  up  to  the  mob 
very  early  next  morning,  and  as  soon  as  the  brethren  ap- 
proached near  to  them,  they  were  fired  upon,  when 


46 


Capt.  Patten  received  a shot,  which  proved  fatal,  the 
mol)  after  firing,  ran  away.  Several  others  of  the  breth- 
ren were  wounded  at  the  same  time,  some  of  whom  af- 
terwards died. 

Immediately  on  receiving  the  intelligence  that  Brother 
Patten  was  wounded,  1 hastened  to  see  him.  When  I 
arrived  he  appeared  to  be  in  great  pain,  but  still  was  glad 
to  see  me.  lie  was  conveyed  about  four  miles,  to  the 
house  of  Brother  Winchester,  during  his  removal  his  suf- 
ferings were  so  cxcru dating,  that  he  frequently  desired 
us  to  lay  him  down  that  he  might  die.  But  being  desir- 
ous to  get  him  out  of  the  reach  of  the  mob,  and  among 
friends,  we  prevailed  upon  him  to  let  us  convey  him 
there. 

lie  lived  about  an  hour  after  bis  arrival,  and  was  per- 
fectly sensible  and  collected  until  he  breathed  his  last. — 
Although  he  luid  medical  assistance,  yet  bis  wound  was 
such, 'that  there  was  no  hope  entertained  of  his  recovery; 
this  he  was  perfectly  aware  of.  In  this  situation,  while 
the  shades  of  time  were  lowering,  and  eternity  with  all 
ils  realities  were  opening  to  his  view,  lie  bore  a strong 
testimony  to  the  truth  of  the  work  of  the  Lord,  and  the 
religion  he  had  espoused. 

The  principles  of  the  gospel  which  were  so  precious  to 
him  before,  were  honorably  maintained  in  natures’  final 
hour,  and  afforded  him  that  support  and  consolation  at 
the  time  of  his  departure,  which  deprived  death  of  its 
sting  and  its  horror.  Speaking  of  those  who  had  fallen 
from  their  steadfastness,  he  exclaimed,  “O  that  they 
were  in  my  situation;  for  I feel  “I  have  kept  the  faith,  I 
have  finished  my  course,  henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for 
rne  a crown  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  Judge  shall 
give  to  mo,”  & c. 

Speaking  to  liis  beloved  partner,  who  was  present  and 
who  attended  him  in  his  dying  moments,  he  said, ‘•what- 
ever you  do  el.e,  (),  do  not  deny  the  faith!”  He  all  ihc 
white  expressed  a great  desire  to  depart.  I spoke  to  him 
and  said,  “Brother  David,  when  you  get  home  1 want  you 
to  remember  me.”  He  immediately  exclaimed  “I  will.” 
At  '.his  time  his  sight  was  gone.  We  felt  so  very  much  at- 
tached to  our  beloved  Brother,  that  we  beseeched  the 
Lord  to  spare  his  life  and  endeavored  to  exercise  faith 
in  the  Lord  for  his  recovery.  Of  this  he  was  perfectly 
aware,  and  expressed  a desire,  that  we  should  let  him 


go,  as  liis  “desire  was  to  be  with  Christ  which  was  far 
potter.  ’ A lew  minutes  before  he  .lied  lie  prayed  as 
follows:  'lather  lash  thee,  in  the  name  of  Jrrns  Christ, 
that  thou  u outdst  release  my  spirit  and  receive  it.  vviothu- 
fe,/.-  and  then  said  to  those  who  surrounded  his  dying 
JC(J?  ' i>i'ci!.rni,  you  hare  held  me  by  your  faith,  but.  dative 
me.  up  and  let  tne  fro  I beseech  you.  We  then  committed 
him  to  Cod,  and  he  soon  breathed  his  last,  and  slept  in 
Jesus  without  a groan. 

This  w as  the  end  of  one  who  was  an  honor  to  the 
church  and  a blessing  to  the  Saints:  and  whose  faith  and 
virtues  and  diligence  in  the  cause  of  truth  w ill  be  loim 
remembered  by  all  who  had  the  pleasure  of  his  acquaint 
lance,  and  Ins  memory  will  be  had  in  remembrance  by 
the  church  ol  Christ  from  generation  to  generation. 

It  was  indeed  a painful  circumstance  to  be  deprived 
o the  labors  of  tins  worthy  servant  of  Christ,  and  casta 
gloom  upon  the  Saints:  yet  the  glorious  and  scaling  tes- 
timony  which  he  bore  of  bis  acceptance  with  hcaveif,  and 
the  truth  o the  gospel,  was  a matter  of  joy  and  satisfac- 
tion not  only  to  Jus  immediate  friends,  hut  to  the  Saints 
at  large. 

I remained  in  the  State  of  Missouri  until  the  2Glh  of 
April,  A.  1).  1839,  it  being  the  time  appointed  by  reve- 
lation for  the  twelve  to  lake  their  leave  of  the  buiidin- 
spot  ol  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  take  their  journey 
across  the  ocean,  and  notwithstanding  the  threats  of  our 
enemies  that  this  prophesy  should  fail,  we  assembled  on 
the  public  square  at  Far  West;  assisted  Elder  Alpheus 
Cutler  to  relay  the  foundation  stones,  sung  a hymn  and 
united  in  prayer  to  God,  that  he  would  give  us  a prosper- 
ous  mission.  1 1 

lnj  S[!l-  m M,SSOHr,\  1 frequently  went  to  see 
me  brethren  who  were  confined  in  prison,  for  the  testi- 

ai!(  1 rV  thc  "ord  of  (;°d-  Many  times 
•mu  I had  traveled  forty  or  fifty  miles  to  see  them,  f 

I wC  whh  } ,C  ,1>r'V,eg0  • hy  thc,  i;lilor  ™d  lhc  guards, 
inih™  tI,C,brct!ircu  111  ncai Jy  ail  their  movements 
J * lh0  "?s‘’and  can  bear  testimony  to  their  faith  and  vir- 

; UwT  kn°U‘t  .\Cy  wcrc1c,?tircly  innocent  of  the  crimes 
h™  i ? ga,,,s,t  lI,em  and  that  their  persecutions  were 
rough t upon  thorn  on  account  of  their  attachment  to 
lie  gospel,  and  to  the  Saints  of  the  Lord.  Although 
uey  were  m thc  hands  of  their  enemies  who  threatened 


43 


to  kill  them,  yet  I always  had  the  testimony  that  they 
would  be  delivered,  and  come  forth  victorious,  and  stand 
oil  the  earth  as  the  servants  of  the  Lord,  when  Israel 
should  be  gathered,  and  when  the  earth  should  reel  to 
and  fro  like  a drunken  man,  and  until  they  had  performed 
the  great  work  which  the  God  of  Heaven  had  assigned 
them. 

After  the  2Gth  of  April  A.  D.  1339,  I took  leave  of 
of  Far  West,  and  in  company  with  my  brethren  traveled 
to  Illinois,  where  my  family  had  removed  some  time  pre- 
vious, and  I had  the  unspeakable  pleasure  of  seeing  my 
beloved  lricnds,  the  first  Presidency  and  others  w ho  had 
been  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  their  enemies  and  had 
arrived  safely  in  Illinois. 

Soon  after  a general  Conference  of  the  church  wa9 
held  near  Quincy,  at  which  the  Saints  from  all  the  re- 

{'ions  round  about  assembled.  It  wras  a time  which  w ill 
ong  be  remembered  by  the  Saints,  it  being  the  first  Con- 
ference held  after  their  expulsion. 

Having  now  given  a brief  account  of  my  Journal,  I 
will  advert  to  some  things  which  transpired  while  I w’as 
in  England,  w hich  may  be  considered  of  but  little  impor- 
tance by  the  world,  yet  will  no  doubt  be  appreciated  by 
the  Saints,  who  can  not  only  mark  the  providence  of 
God, as  displayed  in  nations  and  kingdoms;  but  can  ob- 
serve its  workings  in  private  life,  and  in  affairs  of  but 
apparent  small  moment. 

Soon  after  our  arrival  in  England,  great  many  of  tho 
Aicenites  embraced  the  gospel,  which  caused  considera- 
ble feeling  and  opposition  in  the  ministers  belonging 
to  that  sect. 

Having  lost  quite  a number  and  seeing  that  many  moro 
were  on  the  eve  of  being  baptized,  one  of  the  ministers 
came  to  Preston  and  gave  out  that  he  was  goiug  to  put 
down  “Mormonism,”  expose  the  doctrines  and  over- 
throw the  Book  of  Mormon.  He  made  a very  long  ora- 
tion on  the  subject,  and  was  very  vehement  in  his  man- 
ner, and  pounded  the  Book  of  Mormon,  which  he  held 
in  him  hands,  on  the  pulpit  a great  many  times.  Ho 
then  exhorted  the  people  to  pray,  that  the  Lord  w'oulJ 
drive  us  from  their  coasts;  and  if  the  Lord  would  not 
hear  them  in  that  petition,  that  he  would  smite  the  lea- 
ders. 

The  next  Sunday  Elder  Ilyde  and  myself  being  iu 


49 


Preston,  we  went  to  our  meeting  and  read  the  1 3th  chap* 
ter  of  Corinthians*  We  strongly  urged  upon  the  Saints 
the  grace  of  charity,  which  is  so  highly  spoken  of  in  that 
chapter,  and  took  the  liberty  to  make  some  remarks  on 
the  proceedings  of  Mr*  Aiken,  the  gentleman  who  had 
abused  us  and  the  Book  of  Mormon  so  very  much  a few 
days  before:  in  return  for  his  railing,  we  exhorted  our 
people  to  pray  that  the  Lord  would  soften  his  heart  and 
open  his  eyes,  that  he  might  see  it  was  “hard  to  kick 
against  the  pricks.”  The  discourse  had  a very  good  ef- 
fect, and  that  week  we  had  the  pleasure  of  baptizing 
about  fifty  into  the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ,  a large 
number  of  which  were  members  of  Air.  Aikens’  church. 
Thus  the  Lord  blessed  i.s  exceedingly,  notwithstanding 
the  railing  and  abuse  of  the  priests,  and  all  things  worked 
together  for  our  good  and  the  advancement,  of  the  cause 
of  truth. 

I cannot  refrain  from  relating  a circumstance  which 
took  place,  while  Brother  Fielding  and  myself  were  pas- 
sing through  the  village  of  Chatburn;  having  been  ob- 
served drawing  nigh  to  the  town,  the  news  ran  from 
house  to  house,  and  immediately  on  our  arrival,  the  noise 
of  their  looms  was  hushed,  the  people  flocked  to  the 
doors  to  welcome  us,  and  sec  us  pass.  The  youth  of 
the  place  ran  to  meet  us,  and  took  hold  of  our  mantles 
and  then  of  each  others  hands,  several  having  hold  of 
hands  went  before  us  singing  the  songs  of  Zion,  while 
their  parents  razed  upon  the  scene  with  delight,  and 
poured  out  their  blessings  upon  our  heads,  and  praised 
the  God  of  heaven,  for  sending  us  to  unfold  the  princi- 
ples of  truth,  the  plan  of  salvation  to  them.  Such  a scene, 
and  such  gratitude,  I never  witnessed  before,  surely,  my 
heart  exclaimed,  “Out  of  the  mouths  of  babes  and  suck- 
lings, thou  hast  perfected  praise.”  What  could  have 
been  more  pleasing  and  delightful,  than  such  a manifes- 
tation of  gratitude  to  Almighty  God;  from  those  whose 
hearts  were  deemed  too  hard  to  be  penetrated  by  the  gos- 
pel, and  who  had  been  considered  the  most  wicked  and 
hardened  people  in  that  region  of  country ! 

In  comparison  to  the  joy  I then  experienced,  the  gran- 
deur, pomp  and  glory  of  the  kingdoms  of  this  world 
shrunk  into  insignificance  and  appeared  as  dross,  and  all 
the  honor  ot  man,  aside  from  the  gospel,  to  be  vain* — 

b 


50 


The  prayer  of  my  heart  at  that  time  was:  0 Lord,  do 
thou  bless  this  people,  save  them  from  sin,  and  prepare 
them  for  thy  celestial  kingdom,  and  that  thy  servant  may 
meet  them  around  thy  throne.  And  grant  O Lord  that 
1 may  continue  to  preach  the  gospel  of  Christ,  which 
<hall  cause  the  hearts  of  the  poor  to  rejoice,  and  the 
meek  to  increase  their  joy  in  tiie  Lord — Which  shall 
comfort  the  hearts  of  the  widows,  and  cheer  the  soul  of 
the  orphan;  and  that  I may  be  the  instrument  in  thy 
hands,  O Lord,  of  bringing  them  to  Zion,  that  they  may 
behold  thy  glory,  and  be  prepared  to  meet  the  tSavbr 
when  he  shall  descend  in  the  clouds  of  heaven. 

Having  an  appointment  to  preach  in  the  village  of 
Wrightington;  while  on  the  way  1 slopped  at  the  house 
of  Brother  Amos  Fielding;  when  I arrived  he  informed 
me  that  a certain  family  of  the  name  of  Moon,  had  sent  a 
request  by  him,  for  me  to  visit  them,  that  they  might 
have  the  privilege  of  conversing  with  me  on  the  subject 
of  the  gospel.  Accordingly,  Brother  Fielding  and  J paid 
them  a visit  that  evening.  We  were  very  kindly  receiv- 
ed by  the  family,  and  had  considerable  conversation  on 
the  object  of  my  mission  to  that  country,  and  the  great 
work  of  the  last  days;  they  listened  with  attention  to 
my  statements,  but  at  the  same  they  appeared  to  ho 
predjudiced  against  them,  rather  than  otherwise.  We 
remained  in  conversation  until  a late  hour,  and  then  re- 
turned. On  our  way  home,  Brother  Fielding  observed, 
that  he  thought  our  visit  had  been  in  vain,  as  the  family 
seemed  to  have  considerable  predjtidice.  I answered, 
and  said,  Brother  Fielding,  be  not  faithless,  but  believ- 
ing, we  shall  yet  see  great  effects  from  this  visit,  for  I 
know  there  are  some  of  the  family  that  have  received  the 
testimony  and  will  shortly  manifest  the  same.  At  this 
remark  he  appeared  surprised. 

The  next  morning  I continued  my  journey  to  Wright- 
ington, and  after  spending  two  or  three  days  in  that  vicin- 
ity, preaching  the  gospel,  1 returned  by  the  w ay  of  Broth- 
er Fielding’s  with  whom  I again  tarried  for  the  night. 

The  next  morning  I commenced  my  journey;  intend- 
ing to  go  direct  to  Preston;  but  when  1 got  opposite  the 
road  leading  to  Mr.  Moons,  I was  forcibly  pressed  upon 
by  the  spirit  of  the  Lord,  to  call  and  see  them  again. — 
The  impression  being  so  strong,  I could  not  resist,  1 there- 


tore  directed  my  steps  to  tho  house,  not  knowing  whnt  it 
meant. 

On  my  arrival  at  the  house,  I knocked  at  the  door, 
and  Mrs.  Moon  from  within  exclaimed,  PComc  in!  com® 
in!  you  are  welcome  here!  J and  the  lasses,  (meaning  her 
daughters)  have  just  been  calling  on  the  Lord,  and  pray- 
ing that  he  would  send  you  this  way.”  She  then  inform- 
ed me  ot  her  state  of  mind  since  I was  there  before,  and 
said,  she  at  first  rejected  my  testimony,  and  endeavored 
to  think  lightly  on  the  things  1 had  advanced,  but  on  try- 
ing to  pray,  she  said  “that  the  heavens  seemed  to  he  like 
brass  over  her  head,  and  it  was  like  iron  under  her  feet,” 
she  did  not  know  what  was  the  matter,  “certainly  the 
man  has  not  bewitched  me,”  and  upon  inquiry  she  “found 
it  was  the  same  with  the  lasses.”  They  then  began  to 
reflect  on  the  things  1 had  told  them,  and  thinking  it  pos- 
sible that  1 had  told  them  the  truth,  they  resolved  to  lay 
the  ease  before  the  Lord,  and  beseech  him  to  give  them  a 
testimony  concerning  the  things  I had  testified  of.  She 
then  observed,  that  as  soon  as  they  did  so,  light  broke  in 
upon  their  minds,  they  were  convinced  that  1 was  a mes- 
senger of  salvation,  and  that  it  was  the  work  of  tho 
Lord,  and  they  had  resolved  to  obey  the  gospel,  which 
they  did,  and  that  evening  I baptized  father  and  mother 
and  four  of  their  daughters.  Shortly  after  I visited  them 
again  and  baptized  the  remainder  of  the  family,  consist- 
ing of  thirteen  souls,  the  voungest  of  whom  was  above 
twenty  years  of  age.  They  received  the  gospel  as  little 
children,  and  rejoiced  exceedingly  in  its  blessings.  The 
sons  were  very  good  musicians,  and  the  daughters  ex- 
cellent singers,  and  when  they  united  their  instrument* 
and  their  voices  in  the  songs  of  Zion,  the  cllect  was  truly 
transporting. 

Heforc  1 left  England,  there  were  about  thirty  of  that 
family  and  connexions,  baptized,  six  of  whom  were  or- 
dained to  he  fellow  laborers  with  us  in  the  vineyard,  and 
3 left  them  rejoicing  in  the  truths  they  had  embraced. 

Soon  after  my  arrival  in  England,  having  been  invited 
to  preach  about  fifteen  miles  from  Preston  by  a minister, 
of  whom  mention  has  been  made  in  the  former  part  of 
this  Journal;  while  there,  I dreamed  one  night  that  an 
elderly  gentleman  came  tol  me,  and  rented  me  a lot  o l 
ground  which  I was  anxious  to  cultivate. 

I immediately  went  to  work  to  break  it  up,  and  obserr- 


52 


«ng  some  young  timber  on  the  lot,  I cut  it  down;  there 
was  also  s.n  old  building  at  one  comer  of  the  lot  which 
appeared  ready  to  tall.  J took  a lever  and  endeavored  to 
{dace  it  in  a proper  position,  but  all  my  attempts  were 
tutile,  and  it  became  worse.  1 then  resolved  to  pull  it 
down.  1 did  so,  and  with  the  new  timber  built  a good 
house  on  a good  foundation.  While  thus  engaged  the 
gentleman  of  whom  1 had  rented  the  place,  came  to 
me,  and  found  great  fault  with  me  for  destroying  his 
young  timber,  &c. 

This  dream  was  fulfilled  at  that  place,  in  the  following 
manner.  After  Mr.  Richards  had  let  me  preach  in  his 
chapel,  I baptized  all  his  young  members,  among  whom 
was  his  daughter,  and  most  of  the  members  of  his  church, 
lie  then  rcllected  upon  himself  for  letting  me  have  the 
privilege  of  his  chapel,  and  told  me  that  1 had  ruined  his 
church,  and  had  taken  away  all  his  young  members. 

1 could  not  but  feel  for  the  old  gentleman,  but  1 had  a 
duty  to  perform,  which  outweighed  every  other  consid- 
eration, and  J was  assured,  that  if  1 sought  to  please  man 
l should  not  be  the  servant  of  Christ. 

One  night,  while  at  the  village  of  llibchester,  I dreamed 
that  I,  in  company  with  another  person,  were  walking 
out,  and  we  saw  a very  extensive  licld  of  wheat,  more  so 
than  the  eye  could  reach,  such  a sight  I never  witness- 
ed. The  wheat  appeared  to  bo  perfectly  ripe  and  ready 
for  harvest,  i was  very  much  rejoiced  at  the  glorious 
sight,  which  presented  itself;  but  judge  of  my  surprise, 
for  when  on  taking  some  of  the  cars  and  rubbing  them 
in  my  hands,  1 found  nothing  but  smut,  not  any  sound 
grain  could  I find.  I marvelled  exceedingly,  and  felt 
very  sorrowful;  and  exclaimed  what  will  the  people  do 
for  grain,  here  is  a great  appearance  of  plenty,  but  there 
is  no  sound  wheat. 

While  contemplating  the  subject,  I looked  in  another 
direction,  and  saw  a small  field  in  the  form  of  the  letter 
L,  which  had  the  appearance  of  something  growing  in 
it.  I immediately  directed  my  steps  to  it,  and  found  that 
it  had  been  sown  with  w heat,  some  of  which  had  got  up 
about  six  inches  high,  other  parts  of  the  field  not  quite 
so  high,  and  some  had  only  just  sprouted;  this  gave  me 
tome  encouragement  to  expect,  that  at  the  harvest;  there 
would  be  some  good  grain.  While  thus  engaged,  a large 
hull  looking  very  fierce  and  angry,  leaped  over  the  fence, 


53 


ran  through  the  field,  and  stamped  down  a large  quat>* 
tity  of  that  which  was  just  sprouted,  and  after  doing 
considerable  injury  he  leaped  over  the  fence  and  ran 
away. 

1 felt  very  much  grieved,  that  so  much  wheat  should 
be  destroyed,  when  there  was  such  a prospect  of  scar- 
city; When  I awoke  next  morning,  the  interpretation 
was  given  me.  The  large  field  with  the  great  appear- 
ance of  grain,  so  beautiful  to  look  upon,  represented  the 
nation  in  which  I then  resided;  which  had  a very  pleasing 
appearance  and  a great  show  of  religion,  and  who  made 
great  pretensions*  to  piety  and  godliness,  but  who  denied 
the  power  thereof;  destitute  of  the  principles  of  truth, 
and  consequently  of  the  gifts  of  the  spirit. 

The  small  field  I saw  clearly  represented,  the  region 
of  country  where  1 w as  laboring,  and  where  the  word  of 
truth  had  taken  loot,  and  was  growing  in  the  hearts  of 
those  who  had  the  gospel,  some  places  having  grown  a 
little  more  than  others.  The  village  I was  in,  was  that 
part  of  the  field  where  the  hull  did  so  much  injury,  lor 
during  my  short  visit  there,  most  of  the  inhabitants 
were  believing  out  as  soon  as  1 departed,  a clergyman 
belonging  to  the  church  of  England,  came  out  and  vio- 
lently attacked  the  truth,  and  made  a considerable  noise, 
crying,  false  prophet!  delusion!  and  after  trampling  on 
truth,  and  doing  all  the  mischief  he  could,  before  I return- 
ed, lie  took  shelter  in  his  pulpit.  However  he  did  not 
destroy  all  the  seed,  for  after  my  return  l was  instrumen- 
tal in  building  up  a church  in  that  place. 

The  following  verses  composed  on  Elder  Kimball's  mi* 
sion  have  been  handed  fo  me,  for  publication  in  this 
journal , and  it  is  with  pleasure  I give  them  an  in- 
sert ion. 

Go  thou  favored  child  of  heaven, 

Chosen  by  divine  command: 

Go  and  publish  free  salvation 
To  a dark  benighted  land. 

Go  to  island,  sea  and  mountain. 

To  fulfill  thy  great  command; 

Gather  out  t ho  sons  of  Jacob, 

To  possess  the  promis'd  land. 


54 


When  thy  thousands,  all  arc  gather’d; 

And  then*  prayers  for  the  ascend; 

Then  the  Lord  will  crown  with  blessing 
All  the  labors  of  thy  hand. 

Then  the  song  of  joy  and  gladness, 

Will  from  every  land  resound; 

Then  the  heathen  long  in  darkness, 

By  their  Savior  will  bo  crown’d. 

A.  IV  * * * 

Quincy,  July  17,  1039. 

Prepare  thy  servant  for  the  work, 

Which  thou  hast  called  him  too; 

That  he  may  go  and  preach  thy  word, 

To  Gentile  and  to  Jew. 

When  he  shall  tread  on  Eastern  lands* 
Where  sin  and  darkness  reign; 

Where  monarchs  do  usurp  the  power, 

And  prisoners  groan  in  chains. 

May  he  he  blessed  with  many  souls, 

To  cheer  his  lonely  hours; 

To  comfort  and  console  his  heart, 

W hen  troubles  press  him  sore. 

When  many  clays  and  months  arc  past* 

And  all  his  labors  o’er, 

May  he  return,  with  joy  and  peace, 

Unto  his  native  shore. 

E.  &> 

Quincy,  July  2 1st,  1C39. 



Go  thou  iavored  one  of  heaven, 

Ear  lrom  scenes  endured  by  friends; 
Shpuhlst  thy  path  be  strew’d  with  trials, 
Know  then  our  prayer  for  thee  ascends. 

Shouldst  thy  path  be  crowned  with  blessing, 
Sure  for  thee  our  hearts  will  swell ; 
Grateful,  that  the  Lord  is  with  thee 
Knowing  Hie  doth  all  things  well.’* 


Shouldst  thou  find  ;i  plcntious  harvest. 
Turning  many  to  the  Lord, 

Sure,  ihy  heart  will  tl.cn  be  gladened, 
Conscious  of  a sure  reward. 

May  thy  days  be  crowned  with  blessings. 
Till  thy  steps  again  retrace 
Scenes,  where  friends  have  often  hail'd  thee, 
Welcomed  smiling  on  thy  face. 

hen  thy  brethren  crow'd  around  thee, 

And  new  friends  thy  steps  attend, 

May  thy  thoughts  roll  hack  on  Zion; 

And  thy  prayers  for  us  ascend. 

When  thy  work  on  earth  is  finished, 

And  thy  sorrows  all  are  o'er, 

May  st  thou  with  the  hosts  of  heaven; 

Sing  Cods  praise  for  evermore. 

^ . LAURA  PITKIN. 

Quincy,  1039. 


When  the  Llders  of  Israel  loll  their  brethren  in  Low- 
land, the  downfall  of  the  work  was  expected  and  nrdent- 
\ desned  by  the  enemies  of  truth,  but  in  this  thing  they 
were  doomed  to  disappointment,  for  under  the  superin- 
tendence of  Llders  Fielding,  Richards,  and  Clayton,  and 
by  the  blessings  of  the  Almighty,  the  cause  continued  to 
move  forward  at  a steady  pace,  and  fresh  inroads  were 
made  S>\  these  servants  of  Cod  in  the  different  village# 
round  about,  and  by  their  diligence  and  faith  fulness*5  in 
their  office,  the  order  ol  the  kingdom  was  maintained, 
and  the  commandments  of  heaved  were  strictly  attended 
to,  the  Lord  owned  their  labors,  and  a great  work  was 
commenced  in  Manchester  which  has  kept  increasing 
since  that  time.  ° 

After  frequently  expecting  assistance  from  America, 
and  anxiously  looking  forward  to  the  time  when  Elder 
Kimball  and  others  should  visit  them  they  had  the  pleas- 
ure of  welcoming  Elders  Taylor.  Woodruff  and  Turlev, 
and  shortly  after,  Elders  Kimball,  Parley  P.  and  Orson 
1 ratt,  13.  Icouncjs,  G.  A.  .Smith,  and  others,  who  soon 
commenced  to  labor  in  the  field,  w hich  appeared  ripe  and 
ready  for  the  harvest. 


No  sooner  did  these  servants  of  the  Lord  begin  to  un* 
fold  the  principles  of  salvation,  than  great  success  at- 
tended their  preachings,  and  numbers  Hocked  to  th^ 
standard  of  the  gospel,  and  rejoiced  exceedingly  in  be- 
ing privileged  to  hear  and  see  those  things  which  proph- 
ets and  righteous  men  in  ancient  days  so  earnestly  desir- 
ed, but  died  without  the  sight. 

Soon  after  their  arrival,  a Conference  of  the  church 
was  held  in  Preston,  when  1071  members  were  repre- 
sented, and  considerable  business,  relative  to  the  welfare 
of  the  church,  was  attended  to. 

The  Elders  then  separated  and  took  their  departure  for 
the  di  He  rent  places  to  which  they  felt  directed  by  tho 
spirit.  Elders  Woodruff  and  G.  A.  Smith  took  their 
journey  into  Staffordshire,  and  in  the  Potteries,  where 
the  work  had  already  commenced,  continued  to  labor 
with  unceasing  diligence. 

Sometime  after  they  had  boon  there,  Elder  Woodruff 
went  to  the  county  of  Hereford,  where  he  commenced 
proclaiming  the  gospel  with  unpnrralleled  success:  num- 
bers (locked  to  be  baptized,  and  in  that  region  of  country 
under  the  instrumentality  of  Elders  Woodruff,  Young 
and  Richards,  more  than  live  hundred  persons  were  bap- 
tized, among  the  number  were  several  preachers  of  dif- 
ferent denominations,  who,  cheerfully  and  readily  em- 
braced the  gospel  as  soon  as  it  was  presented  to  them. 
In  a letter  which  Elder  Woodruff  wrote  to  President  Jo- 
seph Smith,  he  says, 

“On  the  first  of  March,  I left  the  churches  in  the  Staf- 
fordshire Potteries  in  the  care  of  Elder  Turley,  and  trav- 
eled about  eighty  miles  to  the  south  part  of  England, 
where  they  had  not  heard  the  sound  of  the  gospel.  I 
called  upon  a wealthy  farmer  and  delivered  to  him  my 
testimony:  he  and  all  bis  house  received  it.  1 preached 
there  for  the  first  time  on  the  fifth  of  April,  and  on  the 
fcixth,  I again  preached,  and  baptized  six,  four  of  whom 
were  preachers.  I thou  continued  to  baptize  daily,  and 
a speedy  and  rapid  work  broke  out  on  every  hand.  1 
preached  one  month  and  five  days,  and  baptized  more 
than  forty  preachers  of  the  different  orders,  and  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty  members,  and  established  more  than  forty 
places  of  preaching.” 

Speaking  of  the  desire  of  the  people  to  be  baptized,  he 
writes,  “Uo fore  we  left  Proems’  11  ill,*  wc  only  had  to  let 


57 


the  people  know,  that  we  would  spend  a day  at  the  pool 
of  water,  where  we  attended  to  the  baptisms,  and  we 
would  have  business  enough.  After  i had  got  ready  to 
leave  them,  I had  to  go  into  the  pool  several  times,  and 
had  to  come  away  leaving  others  to  be  baptized.”  A 
number  of  churches  were  organized,  by  Elders  Young, 
Woodrulf  and  Richards  in  that  region  of  country,  and 
several  Conferences  were  held,  at  which  great  love  and 
harmony  prevailed. 

While  the  work  was  progressing  with  such  rapidity  in 
that  region,  the  other  Elders  were  busily  engaged  in  sow- 
ing the  seed  which  will  eventually  yield  an  abundant 
harvest.  Elder  Taylor  had  taken  a stand  in  Liverpool* 
and  continued  to  unlold  the  principles  of  salvation  to  all 
who  would  hearken.  Much  opposition  and  prejudice 
was  manifest  by  the  dillercnt  religious  societies,  but  lie 
persevered  in  his  work,  and  was  instrumental  in  raising 
up  a church  in  that  place,  which  probably  by  this  time 
amounts  to  more  than  one  hundred  members. 

Elder  Orson  PratPs  labors,  have  been  spent  in  Scot- 
land, and  in  the  city  of  Edinburgh,  he  has  faithfully  pro- 
claimed the  everlasting  gospel,  to  the  amazed  inhabi- 
tants. It  was  some  considerable  time  before  he  was 
able  to  overcome  the  prejudices  of  the  Scotch,  who  are 
particularly  attached  to  their  creed  and  mode  of  wor- 
ship, yet,  by  perseverance  and  diligence,  he  has  been  in- 
strumental in  laying  the  foundation  of  a great  work  in 
that  city,  and  the  prejudices  of  many  have  been  over- 
come, and  they  have  become  obedient  to  the  faith. — 
Large  and  nourishing  societies  arc  likewise  found  in 
Glasgow  and  Paisley,  which  have  been  raised  up  under 
the  instrumentality  of  Elders  Muliincr,  Wright,  and  llacf- 
lock. 

In  the  towns  of  Manchester,  Bolton,  Preston,  Maccles- 
field, Stockport,  Birmingham  and  their  vicinities  the 
work  continues  to  roll  forth  with  great  power,  and  large 
churches  have  sprung  up  all  around,  by  the  instrumen- 
tality of  Elders  Pratt,  Kimball,  Young,  &c. 

On  the  6th  of  July,  a Conference  was  held  in  Man- 
chester, which  was  numerously  attended;  considerable 
business  relative  to  the  affairs  of  the  church  was  tran- 
sacted, and  2513  members  were  represented,  besides  a 
number  of  Elders,  priests,  teachers,  &c. 

Immediately  after  this  Conference,  the  Elders  repaired 


58 


again  to  their  scenes  of  labor;  great  grace  rested  upon 
them,  and  their  hearts  were  made  glad,  because  the  prom- 
ises of  Jehovah  were  fulfilled — his  spirit  rested  upon 
them,  and  they  saw  their  labors  were  not  in  vain,  but 
that  they  were  crowned  with  abundant  success 

Soon  after  this,  Elders  Kimball,  Woodrull  and  G.  A, 
Smith,  feeling  it  impressed  on  their  minds  to  visit  the 
metropolis  of  the  Jiriiish  Empire,  they  accordingly  went, 
and  began  to  sound  the  alarm  in  that  great  city,  one  of 
the  largest  cities  in  the  world,  and  have  hail  some  suc- 
cess, although  they  met  with  some  opposition  and  dilli- 
cnlty  at  first,  in  obtaining  a place  to  preach  in;  but  these 
obstacles  being  once  overcome,  there  is  no  doubt  but  a 
great  and  effectual  door  will  be  open  in  that  place. 

Nor  have  the  labors  of  the  servants  of  Clod  been  con- 
fined to  England  and  Scotland  but  some  of  the  Elders 
have  visited  Ireland,  and  in  that  land  which  has  so  long 
been  shrouded  in  Popish  ignorance  and  superstition,  haa 
the  truth  been  proclaimed  and  the  message  obeyed. 

In  the  Isle  of  Man,  belonging  to  Great  Kritain,  a 
■pleasing  work  lias  commenced,  and  the  Manx  people 
with  a liberality  characteristic  of  them  arc  investigating 
those  principles,  the  adhcrance  to  which  bring  blessings 
from  Jehovah,  but  which  bring  ridicule  and  reproach 
from  the  world.  Elder  Taylor  has  been  instrumental  in 
opening  an  effectual  door  in  that  country.  At  first  ho 
was  opposed  by  several  ministers,  but  their  efforts  were 
futile,  and  they  made  themselves  a laughing  stock  to  the 
community  for  displaying  their  ignorance. 

From  the  latest  accounts  that  have  been  received,  a 
glorious  harvest  may  be  expected  from  Scotland,  the 
work  is  gradually  progressing,  and  superstition  is  giving 
way,  and  large  societies  have  been  raised  up  in  the  prin- 
ciple towns  and  cities.  And  while  the  north  is  giving 
up,  the  south  is  not  keeping  back,  the  Elders  have  not 
only  made  considerable  progress  in  Yorkshire,  Lanca- 
shire, Staffordshire.  Cheshire,  Worcestershire,  GIoccs- 
tershire  and  1 Icrelbrdshire,  Imt  they  have  likewise  vis- 
ited the  city  of  Loudon,  the  great  depot  of  wealth,  and 
atllucnce,  and  the  largest  city  in  the  world,  and  to  the 
inhabitants  thereof,  are  they  lifting  up  the  warning  voice, 
find  proclaiming  the  advent  of  the  Son  of  Clod.  Nor  has 
their  message  been  confined  to  England,  Scotland  and 
Ireland,  but  Elders  liqve  been  ordained,  and  have  gone* 


50 


to  south  Australia,  and  to  the]  East  Indies,  where  they 
intend  to  sound  the  alarm,  and  call  upon  the  wandering 
inhabitants  to  repent. 

Soon  it  is  expected,  and  probably  by  this  time,  Ger- 
many has  heard  the  sound  of  the  everlasting  gospel, 
it  it  progresses  with  the  same  facility  which  it  has  done, 
we  may  soon  expect  to  hear  of  the  success  of  the  work 
in  the  different  nations  of  Europe,  and  cm  that  conti- 
nent so  densely  populated,  we  may  expect  thousands 
and  tens  of  thousands  to  obey  its  precepts. 

Nor  will  it  stop  there  for  “this  gospel  of  the  kingdom 
must  be  preached  to  all  nations  for  a witness,  and^then 
will  the  end  come;”  consequently,  the  wandering  sons  of 
Ishmacl  on  the  sandy  deserts  of  Araba,  the  degraded 
Hottentot,  the  jealous  Chinee,  and  shivering  Laplander, 
as  well  as  the  Polished  European,  must  hear  the  testimo- 
ny “and  consider  those  things  which  had  not  been  told 
them,"  and  prepare  for  that  glorious  event  which  the 
prophets  have  declared  must  come  to  pass. 

»Such  a view  ol  the  work  of  the  last  days,  could  hard- 
ly be  realized  by  those  who  were  the  first  to  receive 
d;c  gospel^  while  those  who  opposed  it,  prophesied  its 
downfall  long  ago;  but  in  spite  of  persecutions,  impris- 
onments, and  all  the  combined  force  it  has  bad  to  con- 
tend against,  it  has  kept  on  its  course,  and  like  the  no- 
ble vessel,  that  has  been  tossed  to  and  fro  on  the  tem- 
pestuous ocean,  and  escaped  the  storm  unhurt,  cuts 
through  the  swelling  sourge,  rides  in  magesty  on  the 
bosom  of  the  mighty  deep,  and  steers  a steady  course 
to  its  destined  port. 

T rom  accounts  which  have  recently  been  received, 
'here  was,  at  the  last  Conference  held  in  Manchester, 
"626  Saints  and  303  official  members.  At  the  July  Con- 
ference there  was  2513  Saints  and  25G  official  members 
represented,  making  an  increase  since  the  July  Confer- 
ence, ot  1113  Saints,  and  127  official  members. 

thus  “the  little  one  has  become  a thousand,  and  the 
small,  one  a strong  nation;’’  and  the  word  of  the  Lord 
by  his  servant  has  been  fulfilled,  and  will  continue  to 
be,  “until  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  become  the  king- 
dom of  our  God  and  his  Christ.”  Hasten  the  time  “Thou 
King  of  Saints.”  Amen. 


60 


The  following  hymn,  tompdsed  by  Elder  lVm.  Clayton,  teas  j 
Saints % on  board  the  vackct  ship  North  America,  while  on  t 
to  America,  from  old  England. 

1 With  darkness  long  we’vo  been  o’crwhclm’d, 
Upon  proud  Brilains  land; 

But  now  the  Lord  has  call’d  us  forth 
By  his  Almighty  hand. 

Chorus.  Across  the  sea.  we  cheerfully  go, 

Our  kindred  Saints  to  see. 

Blow  gentle  gale,  fill  every  sail; 

And  waft  us  over  the  eea. 

2 God  sent  his  servants  from  afar. 

This  joyful  news  to  tell; 

That  we  might  nil  be  saved  from  sin, 

And  in  his  presence  dwell. 

Across  the  sea,  &c. 

3 They  told  us  that  the  Lord  designed, 
l*oor  Zion  to  restore; 

And  gather  nil  her  sons  from  far, 

That  she  might  weep  no  more. 

Acro33  the  sea,  &c. 

4 Boon  ns  tho  message  wc  obeyed. 

And  realized  its  power; 

To  cross  the  mighty  Hood  wc  then 
Were  longing  every  hour. 


6 


6 


7 


8 


In  peace  forever  more. 

And  now  across  the  sea  wc  go. 
Our  kindred  Saints  to  see; 

Blow  gentle  gale,  till  every  sail. 
And  wuft  us  over  the  sea. 


Across  the  eea,  &c. 

At  length  the  time  began  to  dawn, 

That  wo  must  hast  away; 

And  gather  up  for  Zion  too, 

To  wait  the  perfect  day. 

Across  the  sea,  &c. 

Bectaiians  breathed  out  their  scorn, 

And  said  wc  soon  should  rue; 

But  trusting  to  the  word  of  God, 

Wo  bade  them  all  adieu. 

Across  the  sea,  &c. 

Wc  gave  our  friends  the  parting  hand, 
And  relatives  most  dear; 

They  poured  their  blessing  on  our  heads. 
And  drop’d  the  parting  tear. 

Acioss  the  sea,  &c. 

But  soon  wc  hope  to  meet  again 
With  those  we’ve  loved  before. 

And  dwell  with  them  on  Zions  land 


ig  by  ths 
ir  voyage 


V-OT 


